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Varicose Veins and Heart Problems: Are Varicose Veins a Sign of Heart Disease?

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Thursday, 18 February 2016

Your bulging varicose veins may be unsightly and uncomfortable, but are varicose veins a sign of heart disease? That is a great question. Veins are the vessels that carry blood back to the heart and lungs to be oxygenated, and varicose veins are a sign of a blood flow problem somewhere on this journey. While varicose veins do indicate an issue with proper blood flow and healthy circulation, there isn’t necessarily a connection between varicose veins and heart problems. However, this doesn’t mean varicose veins aren’t a very real risk to your overall health and wellbeing.

Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms And Risk Factors

 

Poor circulation  in one or more veins can lead to pooling of blood that becomes visible as a varicose vein, a condition most commonly found in the legs.

You may experience one or more of these symptoms if  you have varicose veins:

  • Visible dark blue or purple veins
  • Twisted, bulging or “cord-like” veins
  • Aching or heaviness in affected limbs
  • Swelling
  • Itching
  • Burning or throbbing
  • Muscle cramps
  • Restless legs

 

Risk factors for varicose veins include:

  • Genetics or family history
  • Female gender-related to hormonal changes and pregnancies *could link to our blog on this
  • Occupational: standing or sitting jobs
  • Age-Loss of vessel elasticity of the vein walls
  • Being overweight or obese

 

Are Varicose Veins A Sign Of Heart Disease ?

 

In some cases, varicose veins are benign and represent nothing more than a cosmetic concern. However, varicose veins can often be a cause and sign of a more serious problem.  While there is no apparent association between varicose veins and heart problems, you may be more prone to developing complications such as swelling and infections if you suffer from both varicose veins and heart problems  at the same time. In particular right sided heart failure may increase the venous pressure in the legs. A sign may be ‘pulsatile flow’ in the proximal thigh deep veins seen on duplex ultrasound. Additionally, other complications can develop from having varicose veins that range from physical discomfort to life threatening blood clots and infection.

Dealing With Varicose Veins

Vein disease is progressive without treatment. Neglect can lead to the development of large varicose veins which become problematic over time, leading to increased pain, swelling or an inflammatory condition known as superficial thrombophlebitis.
In extreme cases, a clot may develop in a deeper vein in the affected limb. Called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), this clot may obstruct the blood flow and cause damage to other vessels in the area, or it may break free and travel to the lungs, causing a potentially fatal pulmonary embolism.

A vein specialists can advise you if you have varicose veins or spider veins and which procedure is best. He or she may discuss the following treatments for varicose veins and spider veins with you:

 

Varicose Veins & Heart Disease: Schedule An Evaluation

While there seems to be no association between varicose veins and heart problems, varicose veins can be dangerous to your health and should be evaluated by a board-certified phlebologist right away to avoid severe pain, swelling or secondary complications such as blood clots and venous hypertension, which could indirectly lead to heart health concerns. Our vein specialists in Middle Georgia can evaluate, treat and offer prevention tips for your varicose veins and other venous related health problems.

Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our vein specialists. With locations in both Macon and Warner Robins, Vein Specialists of the South offers minimally invasive treatment options with fast recovery time and a bedside manner that can no other practice can compare to. We look forward to meeting you soon and helping you achieve better veins for life.

Over 18,000 Procedures Performed

Dr. Kenneth Harper, founder of Vein Specialists of the South, has evaluated more than 22,000 patients and performed over 18,000 procedures since 2000. Dr. Harper is a leader in comprehensive vein care, having focused on diagnosis and treatments for varicose veins, spider veins, venous ulcers, and leg swelling since 1997.

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BETTER LIFE.® PLAN

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HAVE YOUR LEGS EVALUATED

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ENJOY BETTER LOOKING BETTER FEELING LEGS

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

HAVE YOUR LEGS EVALUATED

ENJOY BETTER LOOKING BETTER FEELING LEGS

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Are embarrassing Varicose Veins keeping you from wearing shorts?

  • Understand the underlying cause of varicose veins.
  • Determine if your unsightly varicose veins could be more than a cosmetic concern.
  • Learn what to expect at your vein evaluation.
  • Choose the best treatment options to meet your needs.

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