Learn the Signs of Vein Disease and Protect Your Cardiovascular Health

Learn the Signs of Vein Disease and Protect Your Cardiovascular Health

Many of us think of vein disease as simply visible varicose veins but the truth is that if you have noticed that your legs are feeling heavy, achy, itchy, or twitching at night these can be signs of vein issues. These conditions can additionally interfere with regular activities, such as walking.

What is Vein Disease?

Healthy veins are able to return blood to the heart by fighting against gravity. When blood flows backward, these tiny valves close tightly. If it does, it can cause blood to accumulate in the legs, which can lead to high venous pressure and other unpleasant symptoms.

There are various types of vein disease.

Chronic venous insufficiency: CVI means that several vein valves are starting to fail. This can cause blood to pool in the legs and feet.

Spider veins: When blood pressure increases, it can cause these tiny veins to become visible under the skin. These twisting blood vessels can appear bright red, purple or blue.

Varicose veins: Similar to spider veins, varicose veins are also caused when blood vessels swell. The difference is that varicose veins are larger and more prominent.

Pulmonary embolism: If a blood clot in the legs breaks loose, it can lead to a blockage of the pulmonary arteries. This life-threatening condition, known as a pulmonary embolism, doesn’t allow the lungs to work correctly.

Deep vein thrombosis: DVT happens when a blood clot forms in your arms or legs. Improperly functioning valves can contribute to this problem by allowing blood to pool. If you have varicose veins your chance of getting deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is five times higher. DVT can migrate and cause a pulmonary embolism.

Common Symptoms

As the blood vessels swell, it can cause pain in the legs. Some of the other warning signs of vein disease include achy legs, fatigue, and shortness of breath.

• Painful legs and feet
• Swollen ankles
• Itching legs
• Heaviness in the feet
• Bulging veins
• Hot or burning ankles
• Skin that looks discolored appears thicker than the rest of your body
• Dry flaky skin
• Edema
• Hyperpigmentation
• Cellulitis
• Leg ulcers

Risk Factors

One in 200,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with venous insufficiency annually, and a family history of this condition can increase their risk of developing CVI or DVT. Other risk factors for this condition include being overweight, having a history of blood clots, and pregnancy. Women are more prone to developing these conditions due to their hormonal factors.

• Family history of vein issues
• Being female
• Being pregnant or having been pregnant
• Professions that require long periods of either standing or sitting
• Obesity
• Age 50+
• Heavy lifting
• Blood clots
• Past history of varicose veins
• Smoking
• Cancer
• Muscle weakness
• Trauma
• Phlebitis, or the swelling of a superficial vein
• Lack of exercise or sedentary lifestyle
• Pelvic tumors and vascular malformations

 

If you are a person who has a family history of having venous insufficiency or DVT, then it’s important that you take the necessary steps to prevent these conditions from developing. Doing so can help minimize the risk of developing blood clots and other complications.

 

Get your screening at the West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor Tampa Bay Florida.

 

For more information about vein disease, treatments, and prevention, please visit Dr. Zuzga at The West Florida Vein Center, with offices in both Clearwater and Safety Harbor for your convenience. www.westfloridaveincenter.com