Under the expert guidance of our Board Certified Vascular Surgeon, Dr. Mark Zuzga, our team of Vein Specialists & Vascular Experts are committed to delivering top-tier outpatient vascular & vein evaluation and treatment throughout the greater Tampa & West Florida surrounding areas. Should you find yourself dealing with leg pain, swelling, ulcers, discoloration, or the appearance of spider and varicose veins, we invite you to request a screening todayVein Disease and Excessive Drinking – There is a Connection.
Alcohol is a widely accepted part of societal gatherings. In moderation alcohol will not do too much damage to the body, though make no mistake, it is a poison. When drunk in excess it can dehydrate the body and wreak havoc on the circulatory system as a whole which can lead easily to vein disease. While alcohol is a lesser of many contributions factors the beauty is that it is one that is controllable.
Other contributing factors that you can control include weight and diet, activity level, lifestyle, and outside of the realm of control – genetics and family history.
Why Varicose Veins Form
Varicose veins form because of a circulatory malfunction. Alcohol has an effect on blood circulation. The circulatory system consists of the heart, valves, veins, and arteries. All assist in pumping blood throughout the entire body.
Blood is pumped back up to the heart through the veins by way of a series of valves that open in the direction of the heart closing immediately after the blood has passed. When valves are damaged they are unable to prevent a backflow of blood. This backwash causes pressure to build up in the veins which result in the swollen, bulging, and enlarged appearance associated with varicose veins.
When alcohol is consumed it increases the heart rate. This makes your entire circulatory system work harder as a result. Because alcohol intake also has a direct effect on a person’s liver, which is responsible for filtering blood as it is circulated, alcohol attacks the veins from multiple angles. When the liver is unable to properly filter the blood of toxins and waste, the blood becomes thicker and more viscous, making it even harder for those already fragile leg veins to function properly.
Consuming alcohol does not automatically lead to varicose veins if no other risk factors are present, it can make the development of varicose veins and venous insufficiency far more likely in those people who are predisposed to such conditions or who are already experiencing symptoms.
Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center is not going to tell you that you should never drink alcohol again if your goal is healthy veins he may suggest that it is wise to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages if varicose veins are already present or if your gender, age, or family history makes you a likely candidate for future venous disease.
Visit www.westfloridaveincernter.com or call (727) 712-3233 to schedule an in-person appointment with Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center.