What can prolonged venous insufficiency lead to?

Prolonged venous insufficiency can lead to venous ulcers due to the impaired venous return and increased pressure within the veins of the lower extremities. When the veins are unable to effectively return blood to the heart, it results in stagnation of blood and elevated venous pressure. This chronic elevation in pressure can cause damage to the skin and underlying tissue, leading to the development of ulcers, particularly around the ankles where venous pressure is typically highest. These ulcers are often referred to as venous stasis ulcers and can be difficult to heal without addressing the underlying venous insufficiency.

The presence of superficial thrombophlebitis can occur with prolonged venous insufficiency but it is not the primary consequence. Arterial disease and hypertension are conditions that are more related to arterial health and systemic blood pressure regulation, rather than the direct consequences of venous insufficiency. Thus, the direct link between prolonged venous insufficiency and venous ulcers makes it the most appropriate answer.