Can you die if you forgo deep vein reflux treatment for too long?

I was diagnosed 10 years ago with deep vein reflux. At the time, I was told to wear compression hose, but I haven't had any symptoms. I am 5'7, 130 lbs and have three children. Could I die from forgoing deep vein reflux treatment?

Answers from doctors (15)


Vein Center of Louisiana

Published on Feb 05, 2015

If you develop a DVT r/t to prolonged venous insufficiency it can lead to serious consequences. See the care of a medical doctor to find out more. Lifelong compression is typically indicated for chronic deep vein reflux.

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Answered by Vein Center of Louisiana

If you develop a DVT r/t to prolonged venous insufficiency it can lead to serious consequences. See the care of a medical doctor to find out more. Lifelong compression is typically indicated for chronic deep vein reflux.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Lakeshore Veins and Wellness

Published on Feb 04, 2015

It is very unusual to have deep venous reflux without symptoms. It is also unusual to have deep venous insufficiency without a history of deep venous thrombosis or superficial venous insufficiency. Deep venous insufficiency is generally treated conservatively with compression stockings. Deep vein thrombosis (clot) can cause death but generally not deep venous insufficiency. As your diagnosis is 10 years old, you may consider a repeat ultrasound mapping with a vascular ultrasound specialist.

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Answered by Lakeshore Veins and Wellness

It is very unusual to have deep venous reflux without symptoms. It is also unusual to have deep venous insufficiency without a history of deep venous thrombosis or superficial venous insufficiency. Deep venous insufficiency is generally treated conservatively with compression stockings. Deep vein thrombosis (clot) can cause death but generally not deep venous insufficiency. As your diagnosis is 10 years old, you may consider a repeat ultrasound mapping with a vascular ultrasound specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Although deep vein reflux can lead to symptoms of heaviness, achiness and tired legs due to increasing venous pressure, it is not a life-threatening or limb-threatening condition. If you have not had any symptoms, it is probably not necessary to pursue any invasive treatments and graduated compression stockings are a good idea. If you begin to develop symptoms in the future, an evaluation with a vein specialist may guide you in understanding the cause of your deep vein reflux and learning about options to alleviate those symptoms.

Answered by Weill Cornell Vein Treatment Center (View Profile)

Although deep vein reflux can lead to symptoms of heaviness, achiness and tired legs due to increasing venous pressure, it is not a life-threatening or limb-threatening condition. If you have not had any symptoms, it is probably not necessary to pursue any invasive treatments and graduated compression stockings are a good idea. If you begin to develop symptoms in the future, an evaluation with a vein specialist may guide you in understanding the cause of your deep vein reflux and learning about options to alleviate those symptoms.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

Published on Feb 03, 2015

It is advisable for you to see a vascular doctor annually. Reflux in the deep vein generally does not require treatment unless you develop symptoms. Compression stocking is advisable.

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Answered by NE Laser Vein Institute LLC

It is advisable for you to see a vascular doctor annually. Reflux in the deep vein generally does not require treatment unless you develop symptoms. Compression stocking is advisable.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Published on Feb 03, 2015

Compression stocking will help your symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Wearing compression stockings will decrease your chances of getting a deep thrombosis and complications related to stasis dermatitis.

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Answered by Vascular Center and Vein Clinic of Southern Indiana

Compression stocking will help your symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency. Wearing compression stockings will decrease your chances of getting a deep thrombosis and complications related to stasis dermatitis.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Feb 03, 2015

Deep venous reflux often times is asymptomatic and is also a very common finding on venous ultrasound. Patients will not die from deep venous reflux. Those patients with symptomatic deep venous reflux are usually treated with support hose and leg exercises and sometimes segmental compression pumps.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Deep venous reflux often times is asymptomatic and is also a very common finding on venous ultrasound. Patients will not die from deep venous reflux. Those patients with symptomatic deep venous reflux are usually treated with support hose and leg exercises and sometimes segmental compression pumps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center

Published on Feb 03, 2015

The only treatment for deep vein reflux is medical compression stockings. There is little to no risk of death from deep vein reflux

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Answered by Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center

The only treatment for deep vein reflux is medical compression stockings. There is little to no risk of death from deep vein reflux

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Deep venous reflux is a serious health problem that can lead to achy legs, painful cramps, skin discoloration, swollen legs and non-healing venous ulcers that could result in potential limb amputation. Deep venous reflux probably does not kill people directly, but may have an indirect effect secondary to limb amputations, which definitely holds higher mortality rates than the general population. Hope that helps.

Answered by Dr. Syed Bokhari M.D., F.A.C.C. (View Profile)

Deep venous reflux is a serious health problem that can lead to achy legs, painful cramps, skin discoloration, swollen legs and non-healing venous ulcers that could result in potential limb amputation. Deep venous reflux probably does not kill people directly, but may have an indirect effect secondary to limb amputations, which definitely holds higher mortality rates than the general population. Hope that helps.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Deep vein reflux is not a life-threatening disease. There really is no good treatment for it other than compression. There have been attempts to reconstruct defective/non-effective valves within the veins, but nothing of real success. DVR may make you more susceptible to clots, so you should be aware of the symptoms of a possible DVT and seek emergency ultrasound and care if needed. Those symptoms are pain/swelling/shortness of breath, loss of feeling in limbs/feet, fever.

Answered by Advanced Vein & Vascular Center Inc. (View Profile)

Deep vein reflux is not a life-threatening disease. There really is no good treatment for it other than compression. There have been attempts to reconstruct defective/non-effective valves within the veins, but nothing of real success. DVR may make you more susceptible to clots, so you should be aware of the symptoms of a possible DVT and seek emergency ultrasound and care if needed. Those symptoms are pain/swelling/shortness of breath, loss of feeling in limbs/feet, fever.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Feb 03, 2015

Probably not, but this condition does worsen with time. Exercise, maintaining ideal body weight and wearing at least 18-20 mmHg knee-high compression hose can slow down the progression. I would recommend a repeat ultrasound to assess where things are at.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Probably not, but this condition does worsen with time. Exercise, maintaining ideal body weight and wearing at least 18-20 mmHg knee-high compression hose can slow down the progression. I would recommend a repeat ultrasound to assess where things are at.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein & Vascular Institute

Published on Feb 03, 2015

No, you can not die from not having treatment done. There is no real "treatment" for deep venous reflux, only conservative therapy, which is to wear your compression stockings, elevate your legs and be as active as you can. You can't treat deep venous reflux like you would superficial venous reflux. About 98% of your blood flow goes through your deep veins, so you can't close them down like you would the superficial ones. The fact that you haven't had any symptoms is a good thing.

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Answered by Vein & Vascular Institute

No, you can not die from not having treatment done. There is no real "treatment" for deep venous reflux, only conservative therapy, which is to wear your compression stockings, elevate your legs and be as active as you can. You can't treat deep venous reflux like you would superficial venous reflux. About 98% of your blood flow goes through your deep veins, so you can't close them down like you would the superficial ones. The fact that you haven't had any symptoms is a good thing.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Specialties of St. Louis

Published on Feb 03, 2015

There is currently no treatment for deep vein reflux except compression therapy, exercise, hydration and aspirin therapy. When there is reflux present, the blood in your veins is not being returned to the heart as efficiently and there may be a higher risk of developing a deep vein blood clot. You have maintained a good weight, wear hose and the other things mentioned will reduce your risks. Talk to your primary care doctor about these things.

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Answered by Vein Specialties of St. Louis

There is currently no treatment for deep vein reflux except compression therapy, exercise, hydration and aspirin therapy. When there is reflux present, the blood in your veins is not being returned to the heart as efficiently and there may be a higher risk of developing a deep vein blood clot. You have maintained a good weight, wear hose and the other things mentioned will reduce your risks. Talk to your primary care doctor about these things.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


The Sheen Vein Institute

Published on Feb 03, 2015

Having deep vein reflux is not typically a life or death issue. Having a deep vein thrombosis, however, can be. From a treatment standpoint, there really is not a treatment for deep vein reflux other than wearing compression stockings. The stockings help to diminish the long term effects of the reflux, which could be pain, swelling, etc. They are purely preventative because once you develop symptoms, it is very difficult to get rid of.

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Answered by The Sheen Vein Institute

Having deep vein reflux is not typically a life or death issue. Having a deep vein thrombosis, however, can be. From a treatment standpoint, there really is not a treatment for deep vein reflux other than wearing compression stockings. The stockings help to diminish the long term effects of the reflux, which could be pain, swelling, etc. They are purely preventative because once you develop symptoms, it is very difficult to get rid of.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Deep vein reflux is a relatively uncommon entity when compared to superficial vein reflux. I would suggest that you repeat the ultrasound scan since you were diagnosed with this problem 10 years ago and you still don't have any symptoms. You are not going to die from deep vein reflux, which is a nuisance if you have symptoms but is not life threatening.

Answered by Premier Vein and Vascular Center (View Profile)

Deep vein reflux is a relatively uncommon entity when compared to superficial vein reflux. I would suggest that you repeat the ultrasound scan since you were diagnosed with this problem 10 years ago and you still don't have any symptoms. You are not going to die from deep vein reflux, which is a nuisance if you have symptoms but is not life threatening.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Georgia Vascular Institute

Published on Feb 03, 2015

Deep vein reflux is common. There are various causes. It can be from previous blood clots and damaged valves, or due to congestive heart failure. However, you will unlikely die from it. The use of compression stockings is helpful for symptoms of leg swelling and pain in the legs. If you do develop any leg swelling, I would suggest seeing a physician and obtaining an ultrasound to establish the cause of the leg swelling.

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Answered by Georgia Vascular Institute

Deep vein reflux is common. There are various causes. It can be from previous blood clots and damaged valves, or due to congestive heart failure. However, you will unlikely die from it. The use of compression stockings is helpful for symptoms of leg swelling and pain in the legs. If you do develop any leg swelling, I would suggest seeing a physician and obtaining an ultrasound to establish the cause of the leg swelling.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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