In European countries, vein diseases pose a serious social problem; as many as 35% of professionally active population, 50% of pensioners, and every second female suffer from this disease. Chronic vein insufficiency (CVI) is one of the most frequent forms of vein diseases, particularly in developed countries; it is thought to concern one third of the population. This paper presents basic information on CVI epidemiology, etiopathogenesis and pathophysiology and also reviews the literature on the following CVI risk factors: obesity, lack of physical activity, dietary habits, including constipation, pregnancy, genetic factors as well as prolonged sedentary or upright position during job performance.