For most people, varicose veins are an irritant and are a concern because of the way they look. However, in some instances, varicose veins may be a sign of underlying health issues and also a sign of poor, overall health. That’s what this article will cover…
Varicose veins are abnormal blood vessels. They typically occur in the legs and feet and look like bulging and twisted clusters of blue and purple veins. They occur because of faulty valves in the veins that cause the vessel walls to weaken and for the veins to swell and protrude.
While both men and women can suffer from varicose veins, they commonly occur as you age. Also, varicose veins are more common than you think, with about 30 to 50 percent of adults suffering from them. There are certain risk factors for varicose veins, which are:
· Being overweight or obese
· A family history of varicose veins
· Extended periods of sitting or standing
· Pregnancy
· Use of birth control pills
· Hormone replacement therapy
Research suggests that those individuals who suffer from varicose veins are more likely to develop Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) and a pulmonary embolism. Deep Vein Thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins of your legs. If the blood clot breaks away and travels to the lung it is known as a pulmonary embolism. The latter is a life-threatening condition.
Varicose veins can lead to certain health conditions that range from the trivial, such as varicose veins heavy legs to the dangerous, such as a pulmonary embolism. Some of these different health conditions are:
· Venous eczema: These are itchy, blistered, or crusted patches that form on the leg.
· Phlebitis: This is an inflamed vein, typically a superficial vein.
· Pelvic congestion syndrome: This is a painful condition that occurs when varicose veins develop in the lower abdomen.
· Spider veins: These are thin bursts of visible veins that resemble tree branches or spider webs.
· Venous leg ulcers: These are sores that are created when veins are irritated due to blood pooling.
Many patients with varicose veins would like to know whether there is a link between varicose veins and heart health. The short answer is No. Varicose veins are caused due to weakened vein valves. These, however, have nothing to do with heart health. The symptoms of heart disease are very different from the symptoms of varicose veins. The former results due to problems in the arteries, while the latter occurs due to problems in the veins.
However, in some instances, the venous system can be affected by a cardiac issue. For instance, a patient with both heart disease and varicose veins may be at higher risk for developing certain conditions. These could include swelling in the legs or an infection around a varicose vein. Both the arterial and the venous systems respond favorably to a heart-healthy lifestyle. This includes the right diet, regular exercise, and optimal hydration.
It is always better to prevent varicose veins and these can be prevented by:
· Exercising regularly
· Maintaining a healthy weight
· Elevating your feet while sitting
· Not crossing your legs when sitting
· Not wearing tight clothing
If you develop blood clots in your veins that break away and travel to your lungs, it can potentially be life-threatening. You will also develop certain symptoms, such as:
· Sudden or gradual shortness of breath
· Chest pain
· Dizziness, Fainting, or Lightheadedness
· A feeling of anxiety
· An irregular heart rate
· Rapid pulse
· Sweating
· Coughing up blood
If you suffer from any of these symptoms go to the Emergency Room (ER) of your hospital immediately and consult your vascular surgeon. While varicose veins do not always require treatment, it is recommended that you get regular check-ups of your varicose veins by your vascular surgeon.
For varicose veins that are not too severe, your vascular surgeon may recommend the following varicose veins treatment:
· Sclerotherapy: During this procedure, your doctor will inject a solution into the veins, causing scarring and shrinking. After this procedure, varicose veins fade within a few weeks. This can be done as an outpatient procedure in your doctor’s office.
· Laser treatment: During this varicose veins laser treatment, bursts of light are sent into the varicose veins, which then slowly fade away.
For varicose veins that are more stubborn or advanced, your vascular surgeon may recommend the following varicose veins treatment:
· Catheter-assisted radiofrequency or laser energy: These procedures are more helpful for larger varicose veins.
· High ligation and vein stripping: During this procedure, a vein is tied off before it connects to a deep vein. The surgeon then makes small incisions, through which the vein is removed.
· Ambulatory phlebectomy: During this procedure, small varicose veins are removed through small skin punctures.
· Endoscopic vein surgery: This varicose veins surgery procedure is generally performed as a last resort. It is carried out when leg ulcers are involved and after other treatments have been tried.
It is imperative that if you suffer from either acute or chronic varicose veins, you choose the right vascular surgeon for your regular examinations and treatment. One of the best vascular surgeons is based in Hyderabad, India. He is Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala of the Flow Vascular Clinic, and he is a skillful vascular surgeon and interventional radiologist.
He has successfully treated thousands of patients with varicose veins and is not only an extremely adept and gifted surgeon, but is also an extremely empathetic and compassionate doctor. He will work closely with you right from the first consultation and will prescribe the treatment for your varicose veins that is good for you.
He will treat you holistically and not just as another case. So, if you have varicose veins or any of the accompanying symptoms that need treatment, do consult with Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala and be completely satisfied with the experience and with the treatment!
For more information about the treatment for varicose veins, as well as the treatment for DVT, or other vascular conditions, contact Dr. Abhilash Sandhyala at (+91) 9989649498 or 9959033037, or at contact@drabhilash.com or visit our website at www.drabhilash.com