Varicose veins are extremely common and usually despised first for their appearance. However, beyond spoiling your love for leg-baring fashions, these twisted and bulging veins can cause pain, decreased mobility, skin changes, circulatory issues, and other complications that need attention.
Our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants in New York is concerned about any symptoms that may indicate a problem with your cardiovascular (circulatory) system, including varicose veins.
Consider these facts from our team regarding varicose veins, what they could mean for your health, and when to seek treatment.
Your circulatory system works 24 hours a day to ensure your organs, muscles, bones, skin, and other tissue structures receive the fuel they need for good health. Your heart starts the process but relies heavily on blood vessels to distribute the product.
Arteries transport oxygen and nutrient-rich blood throughout your body; veins carry blood back to your heart for replenishment. Varicose veins develop when small flap-like valves in the veins malfunction, causing blood to pool instead of flowing efficiently back to the heart.
This increases pressure within your veins, making them swollen and more prominent. Varicose veins are most common in the legs, where blood must flow against gravity to return to the heart.
These malfunctioning veins can vary in size and severity, often worsening and multiplying over time.
For some, the visible appearance of varicose veins affects self-confidence. This is certainly a valid reason for seeking treatment.
However, it’s also essential to ensure that varicose veins are not a symptom of underlying medical issues.
Thus, our team generally recommends an evaluation if you notice a sudden increase in varicose veins or develop symptoms such as:
Not all varicose veins require medical intervention. However, treatment may be necessary for:
Treatment can relieve and prevent further complications if your varicose veins cause ongoing pain, swelling, or heaviness in your legs.
Skin discoloration, inflammation, or the development of open sores (venous ulcers) near varicose veins indicate worsening vein disease and require prompt medical attention.
Varicose veins near the surface of your skin may bleed with minor trauma. Frequent or significant bleeding warrants treatment to prevent further issues.
Varicose veins increase the risk of blood clots, including superficial thrombophlebitis. Symptoms such as redness, tenderness, or swelling in the area may suggest a clot and need evaluation.
If varicose veins interfere with your mobility, sleep, or quality of life, seeking treatment can help restore normal function and comfort.
At Premier Cardiology Consultants, treatment starts with a thorough evaluation that helps us identify underlying health concerns that need medical attention. Blood clots, for instance, require ongoing care that may include medication and close monitoring.
Your cardiovascular specialist may recommend increased exercise, improved nutrition, weight loss, and other lifestyle remedies that can help improve circulation and possibly prevent future varicose vein formation.
Notably, however, a varicose vein can’t be repaired. Instead, treatments close the damaged vessel, causing it to die.
This prompts your body to redirect blood flow to a nearby, healthier vein. The cosmetic effects of the treated vein fade as your body removes cellular debris.
Modern varicose vein treatments are effective, relatively quick, and typically minimally invasive outpatient procedures.
Schedule an evaluation at Premier Cardiology Consultants today for outstanding care focused on keeping your heart and blood vessels healthy.
