Introduction
Varicose veins (VV) are dilated, tortuous, superficial veins found typically in the lower limbs. Haemorrhoids are abnormal distensions of the arteriovenous plexus in enlarged vascular anal cushions, although they are often referred to as varicosities.1 It is unknown whether these two conditions, both classified as disorders of the venous circulatory system,2 are associated with altered risks of other circulatory disorders. If they are, this may suggest clues about shared aetiological mechanisms between VV, haemorrhoids and other circulatory diseases. It would also provide information of prognostic clinical relevance about patien
