Standing at work and varicose veins

Scand J Work Environ Health. 2000 Oct;26(5):414-20. doi: 10.5271/sjweh.562.

Abstract

Objectives: This study attempts to determine whether or not prolonged standing at work involves an excess risk for the occurrence of varicose veins.

Methods: A cohort of 1.6 million 20-to-59-year-old Danes gainfully employed in 1991 were followed for 3 years according to first hospitalization due to varicose veins of the lower extremities. The exposure data came from a representative sample of the baseline population. Altogether 5940 people were interviewed about occupational exposure and confounding factors.

Results: For men working mostly in a standing position, the risk ratio for varicose veins was 1.85 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.33-2.36] in a comparison with all other men. The corresponding risk ratio for women was 2.63 (95% CI 2.25-3.02). The results were adjusted for age, social group, and smoking.

Conclusions: Working in a standing position is associated with subsequent hospitalization due to varicose veins for both men and women.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age Factors
  • Data Interpretation, Statistical
  • Denmark / epidemiology
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Hospitalization
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Medical Record Linkage
  • Middle Aged
  • Occupational Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Occupational Diseases / etiology
  • Odds Ratio
  • Posture*
  • Prospective Studies
  • Sex Factors
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Time Factors
  • Varicose Veins / epidemiology*
  • Varicose Veins / etiology
  • Venous Insufficiency / epidemiology
  • Work*