A major study published in Open Heart has uncovered a strong link between cold hypersensitivity—especially icy feet—and a sensation of leg heaviness with the presence of varicose veins.
Researchers analyzed health data from over 8,700 adults aged 30 to 70 using the Taiwan Biobank, identifying 676 individuals with moderate to severe varicose veins. They found that cold sensitivity was more common in those with the condition: 14% of participants who were extremely sensitive to the cold had varicose veins, compared to only 6% without cold sensitivity.
Statistical analysis revealed that people with moderate to severe cold hypersensitivity had a 49% to 89% increased likelihood of having varicose veins. Additionally, those experiencing heavy legs were four times more likely to have the condition. Standing jobs further raised the risk by 45%.
Most notably, when cold feet and heavy legs were both reported, the likelihood of varicose veins was more than double compared to those without these symptoms.
Although the study is observational and based on self-reported data, researchers stress the importance of recognizing cold sensitivity as a potential early warning sign. “This subjective symptom is often underestimated,” they wrote, urging clinicians not to overlook coldness and heaviness as key indicators of varicose vein issues.
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