Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) is a medical condition that causes varicose veins. The veins that are damaged are swollen, distended, and twisted, and they appear blue or purple. Varicose veins develop when vein valves, which appear to be in charge of carrying blood to the heart, are destroyed. When bloodstream is unable to return to the heart, it begins to reflux or pool, which leads to varicose veins, which are swollen vessels. Varicose veins are visible, bulging, twisted veins immediately underneath the skin’s surface. Varicose veins can appear in any part of the leg, from the groin to the thighs. It can also appear in other parts of the body, however this is uncommon. While prevalent, varicose veins are more detrimental to the way you look and self-esteem than they are to your health. They primarily impact your legs’ superficial veins. Aches and pains, edema, and skin discoloration are possible. You may also get blood clots in your legs in rare circumstances.
Risk factors of Varicose veins:
- Obesity or being overweight
- Certain occupation that requires excess standing
- Athletes
- Age
- Pregnancy
- Excess smoking
- Leg injury
What is Blood Clot?
A blood clot is a collection that contains blood that has begun to clot or harden. Clots are composed of particles and connective tissue fibers. Clots operate as plugs in the circulatory system, preventing bleeding that is excessive after a wound or a vessel break. Blood clots that develop in anticipation of an injury are useful because they block additional bleeding. Some blood clots, on the other hand, can be hazardous because they form for no apparent reason and do not dissolve on their own. When clots form in the body, they can obstruct the flow of oxygen-rich blood through vessels, potentially causing tissue damage.
Types of blood clots:
1.Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT):
A thrombus develops inside a deep vein in the body, commonly in the legs, although it may also happen in the arms or pelvis. Leg swelling, discomfort and soreness, and red/bluish skin discolouration are all symptoms. This clot has the potential to grow into an embolus, which can spread through the circulation to other regions of the body. If it becomes stuck, it can obstruct blood flow to vital organs such as the heart and lungs.
2.Superficial Blood Clots:
These clots are also known as Phlebitis, form immediately beneath the skin in varicose veins and destroy blood vessels. They are quite common following an injury or surgery. These blood clots are usually not dangerous and do not go farther into the vascular system. Leg discomfort, itching, or a burning feeling are some of the symptoms. In the afflicted area, the skin may also seem bloated or varicose.
3.Pulmonary Embolisms (PE):
These clots start in the legs but move via the bloodstream to the lung capacity, where they deposit and restrict adequate circulation to organs such as the heart and lungs. This category covers deep vein thrombosis-related obstructions. If not treated quickly with anticoagulant drugs such as Warfarin, PE can be fatal.
Are varicose veins a red flag for possibly deadly blood clots? This is one of the most common questions asked and the simple answer is yes, Varicose veins are widespread and are mainly caused by circulation problems, pregnancy, or the effects of aging reducing the blood vessels. They can cause swelling, discomfort, and weight gain in your legs. Varicose veins are one of several warning indications of serious varicose vein symptoms such as blood clots, which can be fatal if left untreated for too long. Blood clot raises because the majority of varicose veins are in the superficial veins, the majority of blood clots form there as well. These veins are found just beneath the skin’s surface. As a result, when a blood clot develops, your skin becomes red, swollen, and painful. This disorder, referred to as superficial venous thrombosis, is linked to varicose veins, yet the majority of individuals never have it.
In contrast to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), or blood clots which develop in the deep veins of the legs, superficial clots related to varicose veins seldom go to the lungs and produce a pulmonary embolism (PE), or blood clot in the lung. DVT/PE is a dangerous disorder that does not typically happen with varicose veins since varicose veins impact veins at the skin’s surface. Yet, there is a risk of DVT in people who have severe varicose veins. Your healthcare professional can assist you in determining your risk of deep vein thrombosis.
Common symptoms of Blood Clots:
Below mentioned are some of a few common symptoms that explains of blood clots
- Hard to move body part, due to the severe pain the affecting region
- Burning and itchy sensation
- Heavy sweating in several places of your body.
- A rapid warm sensation in a specific place of your body.
- Feeling dizzy or faintly itching
Risk factors of Blood clots:
- Dealing with varicose veins, varicose ulcers or with varicose leg sores
- Slow blood flow
- Overweight
- Pregnancy
- Hormone replacement therapy
- Prolonged bed rest or illness
It is critical to recognise the signs of blood clots in the legs. This allows medical care to be acquired and a diagnosis to be established. Seek medical attention right away if you suspect you have a blood clot. If you are in search of varicose vein treatment alternatives, varicose vein surgical procedures, or are concerned about a deep vein thrombosis, reach out to Dr. Abhilash at flow vascular clinic immediately. Our vein specialists know how to formulate an individual treatment strategy that can ease the leg irritation while also making you look and function best possible. Just click here, for a quick appointment.