NORWAY – The Central Maine Heart and Vascular Institute will host a free varicose vein screening in the Norway-South Paris area to raise awareness of venous disease and available treatment options.

The screening will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 26, at the offices of Blue Moon Midwives, 176 Main St., across the street from the Stephens Memorial Hospital emergency entrance.

Cardiothoracic surgeon Dr. Carmine Frumiento and physician assistant Danielle George, both of CMHVI, will check screening participants for possible varicose vein problems.

Some 25 million people in the United States have varicose veins. A leading cause of the condition is venous reflux disease caused by incompetent or “leaky” valves in the saphenous vein running from the ankle to the groin in each leg.

In addition to varicose veins, other symptoms may include leg pain, fatigue, swelling and skin ulceration. The condition can progress if left untreated and symptoms may worsen with time.

In the United States an estimated 72 percent of women and 42 percent of men will experience varicose veins by the time they are in their 60s. Peak incidence of venous insufficiency occurs in women age 40 to 49 years and in men aged 70 to 79 years.

Common risk factors for varicose veins and venous reflux include multiple pregnancies, family history, obesity and work that requires standing.

CMHVI is hosting the free screening to educate area residents about venous disease, risk factors, prevention and treatment options. Varicose veins often force people to change their lifestyles, especially when they can no longer tolerate being on their feet all day.

Multiple treatment options are available for the condition, including a minimally invasive treatment alternative that allows patients to resume their regular activities in as little as one day.

Anyone interested in attending the free screening is asked to call 753-3916 for more information.