Fact check: What is the percentage of people with CVI develop cardiovascular disease?

1. Summary of the results

Based on the available research, no study provides a specific percentage of people with CVI who develop cardiovascular disease. However, the analyses reveal significant associations between chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and cardiovascular outcomes:

• People with CVI are approximately 60% more likely to have severe cardiovascular disease compared to individuals of the same age and gender without CVI ^[1]
• The risk of developing cardiovascular diseases in the next ten years is almost twice as high for people with CVI compared to those with no signs of venous insufficiency ^[1]
• CVI serves as a strong predictor of all-cause death, independent of age and sex, with elevated mortality risk associated with cardiovascular risk factors and disease ^{[2] [3]}

The relationship between CVI and specific cardiovascular conditions shows mixed results:

• Reduced risk of heart failure (OR = 0.96, 95% CI: 0.93–0.99) ^[4]
• Increased risk of atrial fibrillation (OR = 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.09) ^[4]

2. Missing context/alternative viewpoints

The original question assumes a direct causal relationship and seeks a specific percentage, but the research reveals several important contextual factors:

• CVI prevalence in the general population is substantial, with studies showing prevalence rates of 40.8% for CVI and 36.5% for telangiectasia/reticular veins ^[3]
• The relationship may be bidirectional or share common risk factors rather than being purely causal, as suggested by Mendelian randomization studies that examine genetic predisposition ^[4]
• Cardiovascular disease burden varies significantly by geographic and economic factors, with 80% of CVD mortality occurring in lower-income countries ^[5]
• The association may be mediated through shared risk factors such as obesity, diabetes, and hypertension rather than direct causation ^[6]

3. Potential misinformation/bias in the original statement

The original question contains several problematic assumptions:

• Implies a direct causal relationship between CVI and cardiovascular disease development, when the research suggests complex associations that may involve shared risk factors or genetic predisposition
• Seeks a specific percentage when current research focuses on relative risk increases and odds ratios rather than absolute conversion rates
• Oversimplifies the relationship by not acknowledging that CVI may be both a risk factor for and a consequence of cardiovascular disease, or that both conditions may share common underlying pathophysiology
• Lacks temporal specificity - the question doesn't specify whether it refers to concurrent cardiovascular disease or future development risk

The available evidence suggests that CVI is associated with increased cardiovascular risk rather than a predictable percentage of people "developing" cardiovascular disease, making the original question's framing potentially misleading for clinical or public health decision-making.