Tampa, FL -- (SBWIRE) -- 04/20/2018 -- A new study ties the apparently benign condition to far more serious health risks.

Taiwanese researchers found that among those with varicose veins, higher rates of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and peripheral artery disease (PAD) were present.

Greg Grambor is president of Vascular PRN, a national distributor of intermittent pneumatic compression devices widely used for prevention of DVT and other conditions.

"Many people with varicose veins put them out of their mind because they may find the condition embarrassing, and it is not thought to be directly harmful," Grambor said. "This research might show that these people should take a more proactive approach."

The study analyzed data from Taiwan's National Health Insurance program and compared 212,984 adult patients with varicose veins with an equal number of adults without the condition. The two groups had similar mean ages and male-female distributions.

The study showed a dramatically higher incidence of DVT among those with varicose veins, at 6.55 per 1000 person-years compared with 1.23 for those without — a rate more than five times higher.

Less dramatic — but still significant — differences were found in rates of PE and PAD. The incidence rates were 0.48 vs. 0.28 for PE and 10.73 vs. 6.22 for PAD per 1000 person years for those with and without varicose veins, respectively.

The results showed no significant differences on the basis of sex or age.

It is important to note that the study demonstrates a correlation between varicose veins and these hazardous conditions — not causation. In other words, while these conditions appear to be associated with varicose veins, it is not clear whether they are caused by them.

Grambor advises a cautious approach undertaken with a doctor's advice.

"I recommend anyone with varicose veins or other DVT risk factors speak with their doctor about the non-invasive DVT prevention strategies available," Grambor said.