CVI

Medical abbreviation · Cardiology

CVI
Stands forChronic venous insufficiency
CategoriesMedical

CVI stands for Chronic venous insufficiency, a cardiology abbreviation.

Failure of leg vein valves that lets blood pool in the lower legs, leading to swelling, aching, varicose veins, skin discoloration and eventually ulcers near the ankle. It often follows deep vein thrombosis or results from inherited valve weakness.

Example: Bilateral ankle edema with hemosiderin staining and a healed medial ulcer: CVI, 20 to 30 mmHg compression stockings.

Usage notes

Severity is graded with the CEAP classification (clinical, etiologic, anatomic, pathophysiologic), from C0 with no visible signs to C6 with an active ulcer. Treatment ranges from compression, leg elevation and exercise to vein ablation or stenting. Venous ulcers typically form near the inner ankle, whereas arterial ulcers favor toes and pressure points.

More cardiology abbreviations

  • CP – Chest pain
  • CPB – Cardiopulmonary bypass
  • CRT – Cardiac resynchronization therapy
  • CRT-D – Cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator
  • CTO – Chronic total occlusion
  • CVD – Cardiovascular disease
  • CVP – Central venous pressure
  • D2B – Door-to-balloon time
  • DAPT – Dual antiplatelet therapy
  • DBP – Diastolic blood pressure
  • DCCV – Direct current cardioversion
  • DCM – Dilated cardiomyopathy

See all 229 cardiology abbreviations →

This entry is for general education and is not medical advice. Abbreviation use varies between institutions; always confirm in context.