Common features of atherosclerosis and venous disease

Atherosclerosis and venous diseases exert substantial burden on human population including high prevalence and incidence of mortality and disabling morbidity caused by these disorders. In contrast to the traditional belief, current evidence based on physiological and epidemiological findings indicates that atherosclerotic and venous disease share many common features. Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying both diseases is immune system represented by monocytes/macrophages which interact with endothelial layer of arteries and veins and cause atherosclerotic process and venous insufficiency. From epidemiological point of view, both diseases also share manageable risk factors including obesity, dyslipidemia, and hypertension. In addition, there is evidence for significant and causal association between atherosclerosis and venous thrombosis. Several management strategies including pharmacoherapy are proposed to be effective for prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis and venous disease. However, detailed knowledge of the pathophysiology connecting atherosclerosis and venous disease is still incomplete including data regarding “complex” treatment. The aim of this review is to present available evidence of pathophysiological and epidemiological aspects in common mechanisms of atherosclerotic and venous disease and to summarize clinical implications based on current knowledge.