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 todayThe Correlation Between Stroke and Vein Disease
While it may seem odd to think that issues with damaged veins in your legs could so drastically potentially affect what goes on in the circulator system encased in your brain, the truth is that the link is not only real but direct.
What is a Stroke?
A stroke happens when blood flow is cut off from the brain. This can take place when a vein inside the brain hemorrhages or when a blood clot becomes dislodged and travels into the brain blocking blood flow. When brain cells are not getting the nutrients they need, they will start to die, and this can lead to permanent damage. Having a fast response to treatment is very important for stroke victims.
Understanding factors that can trigger a stroke is necessary in order to prevent one from happening. One of these is venous disease, which can affect the flow of blood in the brain.
How are vein disease and strokes related?
If left untreated, venous disease can lead to DVT, which stands for deep vein thrombosis. A DVT can occur when a blood clot forms in the deep veins inside the legs. It is a serious condition that can cause severe pain, injury, and potentially fatal consequences. This can include pulmonary embolism, stroke, or heart attack.
Those who are already experiencing varicose veins or venous insufficiency are more prone to onset of deep vein thrombosis. This condition is caused by the presence of these conditions, which can weaken the veins and increase the chances of blood clots forming.
Can treating my vein disease lower my risk of stroke
Although vein disease is only one of the many factors that can trigger a stroke, proper treatment can help lower one’s chances of experiencing this condition later in life. To minimize the risk of experiencing a stroke, it is important that one regularly visits their doctor for a vein screening. This will allow him or her to check the condition of the veins and determine if they are at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
Although there are various types of minimally invasive treatments available for treating veins, it is still important to act now to reduce the risk of developing other complications. Some of the simple lifestyle changes that can help lower one’s chances of experiencing a stroke include staying active, eating a healthy diet, and wearing compression stockings.
If your family or personal history leads you to feel concerned about blood clots and the potential for future stroke, contact Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center by calling (727) 712-3233. With two convenient locations in the greater Tampa area, Dr. Zuzga and his staff look forward to meeting you and getting to the root of your venous concerns. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.