InformationCompression
When venous return to the heart is normal then 95% of blood rises up along the deep venous axis. Venous blood contained in surface veins moves into the deep venous axis through perforator veins. The valves in perforator veins should work in a single direction, from the periphery to the heart, preventing blood from flowing downwards.
In varicose vein diseases or in particular conditions (*) the venous axis works properly but blood tends to stagnate or flow back downwards in the surface veins. These consequently dilate and this causes gradual weakening of the connective tissue that is the main building-block of the veins.
Elastic stockings compress surface veins and push blood towards the heart through the deep venous axis: reflux in surface veins is decreased to the point of cancellation depending on the compressive force.
This prevents problems with venous stasis and the most severe consequences caused by the lack of oxygen in the tissue, something that could even lead to necrosis.
The action exerted by the elastic support is called the “pump effect”.
Stocking compression, better defined as elastic compression, is the force that the tights exert on the leg, helping blood circulation and enhancing the “pump effect”.
Compression is generally measured at specific points on the leg and is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mmHg).
Of course, the highest compression value is at the ankle, defined, in medical terminology, as point b. Then compression decreases as we move upwards. This is defined as graduated compression.
SOLIDEA, as its specific policy and with full respect for consumers, prints the compression value in mmHg, previously measured by qualified International Institutes, on all its packages of stockings and supports.
(*) Risk factors
- Overweight
- Stationary work position that requires prolonged erect or sitting positions
- Long car or airplane trips
- Pregnancy
- A family case history of venous problems
- Excessively tight garments
