Compare the pathophysiology of chronic venous insufficiency and deep venous thrombosis. Describe how venous thrombosis is different from arterial thrombosis.

Disorders of the veins and arteries

The pathophysiology of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) and deep venous thrombosis (DVT) are both characterized by an obstruction in the flow of blood in the veins. In CVI, this results from a weakening or damage to the walls of the veins which reduces their ability to carry blood back towards the heart. This is typically caused by aging, physical trauma, diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, or lifestyle factors like smoking and sitting for long periods of time.

On the other hand, DVT occurs when a clot forms inside one of the deep veins in the body which blocks normal blood flow. This can be caused by many different conditions including genetic predisposition, injuries that cause vein damage or inflammation, surgery, pregnancy, certain medications/treatments (e.g. chemotherapy), or even just prolonged immobility. Venous thrombosis is different from arterial thrombosis in that it affects veins rather than arteries; however both share common risk factors such as age and obesity among others. Additionally, while both types of thrombosis can potentially lead to serious health complications if not treated properly they also have treatments available that aim to reduce symptoms and prevent further issues from developing down the line.