Varicose Veins: History

Varicose Veins: History

1.      Chief Complaints

·         Swelling along the veins / dilated veins in lower limb

·         Pain in lower limb for

·         Blackish pigmentation of skin in the  leg

·         Ulcer in leg

2.      History of Present Illness

·         Swelling

Ø  Onset-sudden (DVT) or insidious

Ø  Duration

Ø  Site of onset and progression

Ø  Relieving factor –disappears on lying down

Ø  Any pain or color change along the course of the vein (thrombophlebitis)

·         Pain

Ø  Onset- acute (DVT) or insidious

Ø  Character of pain—dull aching (varicose) /cramping (DVT)

Ø  Mode of occurrence

§  On walking (intermittent claudication- PVD)

§  Towards the end of the day (Varicose)

Ø  Any night cramps

·         Ulcer

Ø  Onset, duration, site

Ø  Associated pain, discharge, bleeding

Ø  Itching, skin color changes

·         Any pain abdomen

·         Any lump in lower abdomen

3.      Past History

(Any history suggestive of deep venous thrombosis)

·         Pain and swelling in the calf with fever

·         Hospitalization           

·         Prolonged immobilization in bed

4.      Personal History

·         OCP intake

·         Smoking

·         Occupational prolonged standing for long time

·         Computer professionals requiring long hours in a sitting posture—E thrombosis

·         Recent long air travel (economy class syndrome)-deep vein thrombosis

5.      Family History

·         Any family history of similar disease (runs in family)

6.      Treatment History

·         History of surgery in lower limb

·         Whether using elastic compression/ Unna boot

·         History of Injection sclerotherapy

7.      Any history of calf pain and leg swelling àpleuritic chest pain, haemoptysis and dyspnea

(DVTà Pulmonary Embolism)