Sex differences in symptom severity and clusters in patients with stage C4 and stage C5 chronic venous disease

Multiple symptoms associated with chronic venous disease (CVD) are poorly understood, under-recognized, and ill-managed.

The aim of this study was to determine whether there are differences in symptoms and symptom clusters between men and women with stage C4 and stage C5 CVD.

Data were collected via interviews with 264 patients using a demographic survey and an 11-item VEINES-SYM questionnaire.

An intrinsic scoring algorithm was developed to calculate the overall t scores for each item by sex. Exploratory factor analysis identified symptom clusters using oblique rotation to account for correlations between factors.

The average age was 61.7 years; 54.5% of the patients were women, 58% were African American or black, and 60.6% had diabetes. The top three symptoms for women in order of frequency were achy legs, swelling, and pain; for men, these were swelling, achy legs, and heavy legs. For the total group, two symptom clusters emerged: distressful and discomfort. There was no statistically significant difference in factor score between the sexes. Different factor loadings for symptom clusters were observed: women reported hurting and annoying clusters; and men reported nagging and irritating clusters.

The data suggest differences in CVD symptoms and clusters by sex. Symptoms in the two clusters were different; however, there was consistency in the factors associated with each cluster. Co-morbid conditions and sex differences in pain responses may play a part in symptom presentation. This study supports the need for increased sex-delineated clinical assessment and consideration of the potential differences between the sexes in the management of CVD symptoms.