Who Develops Varicose Veins? Symptoms & Varicose Vein Treatment

Let’s not beat around the bush. Let’s come to the point straight – who develops varicose veins? Simply out - about 3 in 100 adults develop varicose veins at some point or other in their lives.

It is also important to mention here; most people with varicose veins may not have an underlying disease. They may occur for no apparent reason.

The valves inside leg veins are responsible for carrying the blood straight up to the heart. When these valves see any difficulty in functioning properly, they tend to substantiate the blood in the vein itself leading to improper flow. This result in inflammation of the vein with blood that gets stocked up there - named as varicose veins. Those that are smaller in appearance and occur on the surface of the skin are medically termed as spider veins. That’s right; the occurrence of varicose veins is more frequent in women.

However, the chance of developing varicose veins may increase with -

• Pregnancy: This occurs when the baby causes extra pressure on the veins. Varicose veins may appear or even may become worse during pregnancy but usually they improve after childbirth once the  pressure on the veins eases.
• Age: Varicose veins are rather common symptom with increasing age.
• Standing a lot: Jobs that involve lots of standing are often said to cause varicose veins
• Feminine features (the time during hormonal changes starting from puberty and extending till menopause)
• Excessive use of birth control contraceptive pills
• By birth - faulty valves
• Heaviness/Excess fat
• Blood clot issue in legs
• Hereditary Problem

Often some underlying issue may also cause varicose veins - for example:

• Blood clot or injury in a deep leg vein
• A swelling or tumor in the lower part of the tummy
• Very rarely, varicose veins are due to abnormal blood vessels

What are some of the symptoms of varicose veins?

In most of the cases people with varicose veins have no symptoms. Although people are concerned about the aesthetic aspect and appearance of the veins however the larger varicose veins can ache, itch and also feel heavy.

• Weakness and pain in the inflated part
• Noticeable bulging veins
• Swollen ankles, heel spur
• Skin irritation around the affected area

Severe symptoms include:

• Continuous, mild calf pain while standing for long
• skin ulcer
• Dry scales with comparatively thin skin
• Hard Ankles

Do you need varicose vein treatment?

• You may consider varicose vein treatment in Huntington Beach for one of the following reasons:
• Seek medical help if leg swelling or skin changes develop over prominent veins
• If skin ulcer does occur then treatment is necessary to cure the ulcer
• Consult with a qualified doctor for symptoms of itch or discomfort.
• If you feel that the veins look unsightly

Our Vein Ablation and Leg Ulceration Treatment are non-invasive. We treat varicose veins by applying laser or radiofrequency ablation therapy. The treatment is done as an outpatient procedure under local anesthesia.

What are varicose veins? What are the varicose vein treatments available?

There are no exact numbers of people suffering from varicose veins. Some statistical data suggests; 3 in 100 people suffer from varicose vein at some time in their lives.

In most of the cases; varicose veins do not cause symptoms however they may pose serious health risk.

So; what are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are typically the enlarged and the dilated sections of veins that are located just under the surface of the skin . Of course it’s rather easy to find those out they look thick and knobbly.

What causes varicose veins?

Medically speaking; the wall of the vein becomes weak in certain sections. The sections then widen and thus become rather prominent. If in case this occurs near the valve then the valve becomes leaky causing blood to flow backward.

Once this occurs at one particular valve, then almost obviously there will be some amount of extra pressure on the vein. This can cause more widening and thus leakier valves. Blood then collects I the enlarged vein thus making it ropey and to make it stand out.

Who develops varicose veins?

As already briefed above,  3 in 100 adults develop varicose veins at some time in their lives. Also; statistical data reveals that more women than men develop varicose veins. Varicose vein may occur for no apparent reason however the chances of developing vein disease may increase with –

• Pregnancy:  Varicose veins tend to appear, or become worse, during pregnancy
• Age:  These are most common in old age
• Obesity: being overweight increases the chance of developing varicose veins

Often certain type of underlying disease may also cause varicose veins - for example:

• A previous blood clot in leg vein
• Injury in a deep leg vein.
• Tumor in the lower part of the tummy

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Get the fact aligned – in most of the cases people with varicose veins have no symptoms at all however large varicose veins can feel heavy, ache or itch.

Are there any complications of varicose veins?

Yes; complications may develop in a small number of cases. Complications are due to the higher pressure in the varicose vein and the visible size of the varicose veins is not related to the complications whatsoever.

Possible complications include:

• Inflammation of the vein

• Swelling of the foot or lower leg
• Skin changes over the prominent veins
• Rarely, varicose veins may bleed

Do you need varicose vein treatment?

If complications develop, if skin color changes or leg swelling develop over the prominent veins you may need to talk to a qualified doctor for varicose vein treatment. Consider varicose vein treatment for cosmetic reason, for treating the varicose veins which are problematic and for arterial disease of the legs.

Remember; Vein Ablation Treatment is Non-invasive

Varicose treatment is done by applying laser or radiofrequency ablation therapy. The treatment is done as an outpatient basis and under local anesthesia.

The vein ablation treatment is minimally invasive. After the vein is numbed, by means of ultrasound guidance a thin fiber is inserted into your vein and thereafter thermal energy is delivered through the fiber.

Once the veins with the leaking valves are closed, a patient’s varicose vein will contract and shrink in appearance.

Varicose vein treatment procedure takes about an hour and it relieves you of the painful symptoms immediately

Varicose Veins Treatment- Know What You Should Know

Several Varicose Vein treatment procedures are available in order to relieve varicose veins. The first method of treatment is laser. Here, the doctor typically aims the beam over the spider veins. Sclerotherapy is yet another popular vein removal treatment that has been developed to treat unsightly spider and varicose veins

Let’s start with the basics - what actually causes the varicose veins? Possibly by now we all know this; veins usually have one-way valves, which typically open up as soon as the blood travel upwards and also closes down to prevent the blood from leaking down.

In certain cases, when the valves of the deep vein system fails to close tightly, blood leaks back (medically speaking; this has been termed as ‘reflux’) while setting the stage for vein trouble. Yes, this may also lead to painful varicose veins.

Let us understand things in detail – the valves inside the leg veins are responsible for carrying the blood straight up to the heart. As already briefed, when these valves find it difficult to function properly, they substantiate the blood in the vein itself. This in turn leads to improper flow. This result in inflammation of the vein with blood that gets stocked up there - named as varicose veins.

Those that are smaller in appearance and occur on the surface of the skin are medically termed as spider veins. A lot has been talked about the unsightly varicose veins still a lot of mystery and myth shrouds them.

Here are a few important points to ease your mind!

#Varicose vein Myth 1: Crossing your legs can cause varicose veins: It is an absolute wrong notion. Crossing your veins can never cause varicose veins, nor does wearing high heels may cause them. Basically; varicose veins are caused by prolonged sitting or prolonged standing. Other contributory factors which may cause varicose veins are obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and hormonal birth control.

#Varicose vein Myth 2: Varicose veins are just a cosmetic problem: The fact is;  spider veins or varicose veins are not just cosmetic problems but they also cause pain, swelling and general discomfort. According to the experts varicose veins can also be the warning signs of long-term health risks such as blood clots, leg swelling, deep vein thrombosis, poor blood circulation etc.

#Varicose vein Myth 3: It can be genetic: Well; this has some amount of fact associated with it.  You can inherit the tendency from one parent or from both sides. It can even skip a generation.

#Varicose vein Myth 4: There is no exact cause of varicose veins: Although the exact cause of spider veins is still shrouded in mystery still research has clearly proved that heredity, trauma, pregnancy, aging, heredity, sun damage and hormonal influences are considered as some of the potent factors.

#Varicose vein Myth 5: Men can never have varicose veins: This is also a wrong notion. Although statistical records reveal that 70 to 80% of patients treated for spider and varicose veins are women, however experts confirm that men too suffer from spider veins and varicose

Several Varicose Vein treatment procedures are available in order to relieve varicose veins. For instance; often wearing stockings or saying yes to a few lifestyle changes can help in relieving the pain. However for long time

The first method of treatment is laser. Here, the doctor typically aims the beam over the spider veins. This makes the veins to coagulate and shrink.

Sclerotherapy is yet another popular vein removal treatment that has been developed to treat unsightly spider and varicose veins. In this procedure the doctor injects a special solution into the vein to collapse it.  Over time, the body absorbs the vein naturally.

Here are a few pointers to mull over before saying yes to the varicose vein treatment in Huntington Beach.

Point 1: If in case the patient is pregnant, it is advisable to wait for around six weeks post-delivery prior considering varicose vein surgery because I n most of the cases the varicose veins that occur during pregnancy will fade away.

Point 2: Varicose vein surgery is typically reserved for people who either don’t get relief from the lifestyle changes, or from the home care treatment

Point 3: People for cosmetic reasons may want to try sclerotherapy or laser treatment in order to make the veins less prominent.

Most of the surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. We never get tired of saying that with any surgery, benefits and risks exist hence all these should be clearly discussed with the specialist involved.

Good luck!

Varicose Veins Treatment- Know What You Should Know

Several Varicose Vein treatment procedures are available in order to relieve varicose veins. The first method of treatment is laser. Here, the doctor typically aims the beam over the spider veins. Sclerotherapy is yet another popular vein removal treatment that has been developed to treat unsightly spider and varicose veins

Let’s start with the basics - what actually causes the varicose veins? Possibly by now we all know this; veins usually have one-way valves, which typically open up as soon as the blood travel upwards and also closes down to prevent the blood from leaking down.

In certain cases, when the valves of the deep vein system fails to close tightly, blood leaks back (medically speaking; this has been termed as ‘reflux’) while setting the stage for vein trouble. Yes, this may also lead to painful varicose veins.

Let us understand things in detail – the valves inside the leg veins are responsible for carrying the blood straight up to the heart. As already briefed, when these valves find it difficult to function properly, they substantiate the blood in the vein itself. This in turn leads to improper flow. This result in inflammation of the vein with blood that gets stocked up there - named as varicose veins.

Those that are smaller in appearance and occur on the surface of the skin are medically termed as spider veins. A lot has been talked about the unsightly varicose veins still a lot of mystery and myth shrouds them.

Here are a few important points to ease your mind!

#Varicose vein Myth 1: Crossing your legs can cause varicose veins: It is an absolute wrong notion. Crossing your veins can never cause varicose veins, nor does wearing high heels may cause them. Basically; varicose veins are caused by prolonged sitting or prolonged standing. Other contributory factors which may cause varicose veins are obesity, lack of exercise, smoking and hormonal birth control.

#Varicose vein Myth 2: Varicose veins are just a cosmetic problem: The fact is;  spider veins or varicose veins are not just cosmetic problems but they also cause pain, swelling and general discomfort. According to the experts varicose veins can also be the warning signs of long-term health risks such as blood clots, leg swelling, deep vein thrombosis, poor blood circulation etc.

#Varicose vein Myth 3: It can be genetic: Well; this has some amount of fact associated with it.  You can inherit the tendency from one parent or from both sides. It can even skip a generation.

#Varicose vein Myth 4: There is no exact cause of varicose veins: Although the exact cause of spider veins is still shrouded in mystery still research has clearly proved that heredity, trauma, pregnancy, aging, heredity, sun damage and hormonal influences are considered as some of the potent factors.

#Varicose vein Myth 5: Men can never have varicose veins: This is also a wrong notion. Although statistical records reveal that 70 to 80% of patients treated for spider and varicose veins are women, however experts confirm that men too suffer from spider veins and varicose

Several Varicose Vein treatment procedures are available in order to relieve varicose veins. For instance; often wearing stockings or saying yes to a few lifestyle changes can help in relieving the pain. However for long time

The first method of treatment is laser. Here, the doctor typically aims the beam over the spider veins. This makes the veins to coagulate and shrink.

Sclerotherapy is yet another popular vein removal treatment that has been developed to treat unsightly spider and varicose veins. In this procedure the doctor injects a special solution into the vein to collapse it.  Over time, the body absorbs the vein naturally.

Here are a few pointers to mull over before saying yes to the varicose vein treatment in Huntington Beach.

Point 1: If in case the patient is pregnant, it is advisable to wait for around six weeks post-delivery prior considering varicose vein surgery because I n most of the cases the varicose veins that occur during pregnancy will fade away.

Point 2: Varicose vein surgery is typically reserved for people who either don’t get relief from the lifestyle changes, or from the home care treatment

Point 3: People for cosmetic reasons may want to try sclerotherapy or laser treatment in order to make the veins less prominent.

Most of the surgical procedures are performed on an outpatient basis. We never get tired of saying that with any surgery, benefits and risks exist hence all these should be clearly discussed with the specialist involved.
Good luck! 

Varicose Veins & Spider Veins – A Layman’s Guide to Vein Disease

Blood clot develops in a deep vein while making it further difficult to move past it and thus damage the vein valve. These further results in blood pooling in the veins. When blood begins to pool in the veins instead of moving upward it leads to numerous problems. Some people develop visible signs of vein disease such as varicose veins, spider veins and often sores called ulcers on the legs. 

Varicose veins are basically the swollen and raised blood vessels that twist and turn. Mostly they develop in the legs and can be perceived through the skin.

Spider veins on the other hand are smaller, purple, red and blue vessels that turn and twist. The spider veins are typically visible on leg and face.

For understanding varicose veins and why do you have them, it is crucial to have a rather general understanding of how exactly the venous and the arterial blood system works. Our blood system is made of three distinct types of blood vessels –

• The arteries
• The capillaries
• The veins

Medically speaking; the arteries carry oxygenated blood away from your heart towards extremities of your body.  On the other hand; the capillaries are the small vessels, which enable the exchange of nutrients and oxygen with the rest of your body.  The veins are the vessels that help in carrying the blood back to the heart.

But before we delve any further let us now talk about the Deep and Superficial Veins

There are in fact 3 different kinds of veins in the legs. The first are the superficial ones that lie closest to the top of the skin. Then there are the deep set veins, which lie within the muscle group. Finally there are perforating veins that typically connects the superficial veins to the deep veins.

As a matter of fact; the deep veins can withstand very short periods of increased pressure.  This also means, more than 90% of the blood back up the legs toward the heart and the remaining 10% is carried by the superficial veins. This is also where the varicose veins occur. Spider veins on the other hand are milder case of varicose veins.

Once our leg muscle pump the blood out of our deep vein, the superficial veins collect more blood from our skin and from the superficial tissues and move it into our deep veins. Then our leg muscles continue to pump this blood up to the heart. Although this system works pretty well in most of the cases however there are many things that may go wrong.

Some of the situations that may cause the vein pumps to work less efficiently occur when -

• The vein stretches out pulling the one way valves apart. Although this is typically a hereditary condition however it can be also brought by factors such as certain medication, pregnancy and aging. When the valves don’t work then blood is allowed to move backward through the veins. This backward flow is medically termed as ‘Reflux.’  When reflux occurs in the veins then blood starts to pool in the veins in our lower legs.

• The one way valves become damaged owing to trauma or due to the presence of blood clots and for other factors. This also allows the blood to flow backward or reflux. Yes; this may also lead to blood pooling in the lower legs.

• Blood clot develops in a deep vein while making it further difficult to move past it and thus damage the vein valve. These further results in blood pooling in the veins. 

When blood begins to pool in the veins instead of moving upward it leads to numerous problems. Some people develop visible signs of vein disease such as varicose veins, spider veins and often sores called ulcers on the legs. 

Symptoms of varicose veins

In most of the cases people experience discomfort in their legs such as pain, tiredness, aching, and heaviness cramping and swelling. Common symptoms may include:

• Aching
• Skin rashes
• Brownish ‘stains’ on the skin surface
• Blood clots within the veins (thrombophlebitis)

Prevention of varicose veins & spider veins

Some tips and techniques that may help in preventing varicose veins include -

• Wearing support stockings
• Controlling weight
• Exercising regularly
• Avoiding high heels

How the varicose veins are diagnosed?

Diagnosis of spider veins or varicose veins includes a physical examination. It will also include asking about specific questions such as family history of spider veins, duration, presence of any symptoms etc.

How are they treated?

Fortunately, 2 effective methods can be safely applied for spider vein treatment - Laser and the Sclerotherapy.

Sclerotherapy  – In this particular treatment procedure, your doctor will be injecting the veins with some medicated solution. This will help the veins to close and also cause blood to flow through other veins. Simply put; once the solution is injected it makes the blood to clot inside the vein. This makes the interior walls of the veins to stick together. Over time, the body absorbs the vein naturally. Worry not; the process is absolutely painless and can be used on spider veins on different areas of the body.

Within a few weeks the treated veins fade. This treatment is pretty effective when done well and in an apt way

Laser surgery - Laser surgery on the other hand works well. With lasers the doctor will send strong lights right into the spider veins. This will make the vein fade and then gradually disappear.

Questions to ask before going for Spider Vein treatment 

• Which is the best treatment for me?
• What is the cost of the procedure?
• How long does it take?
• What is the pain management or the anesthesia options available?
• What should I expect after the procedure?

Stay well!

Dealing with Depression after a Heart Attack is crucial - Says the Cardiologists in Orange County

Modern research shows a physiological connection between heart health and mental health. According to the cardiologists and researchers stress and anxiety can typically elevate the stress hormones and thus can impact your heart rate and blood pressure. Talk to the cardiologists for complete heart health and to deal with your depression after a heart attack.

Yes, depression, anxiety, stress and coronary heart disease (CHD) are common conditions and often occur together.

In fact for years researchers and doctors thought that the link between heart health and mental health was purely behavioral. However that thinking has started to change. Modern research shows a physiological connection between heart health and mental health. Simply put; the chemical and the biological factors that trigger the psychological issues also have an enormous influence on heart health.

The Link between Stress and Heart Health

Now there are evidences to show that as high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and smoking, depression can also be a risk factor for heart diseases. In fact stress, anxiety and depression can affect the recovery of people after a heart attack and thus increase their risk of future heart attacks and further heart problems.

Although research does not firmly link stress and heart health however the growing belief is that - stress, depression, anxiety are the additional risk factors  and are even more dangerous than the established risk factors.

According to the cardiologists and researchers stress and anxiety can typically elevate the hormones such as cortisol and adrenaline and thus can impact your heart rate and blood pressure

Depression after a heart attack is common

Statistical data shows

• ·        15% of heart attack survivors become seriously depressed in the first few weeks
• ·        Another 25% experience milder levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms
• ·        4 in 10 patients do experience quite severe emotional responses

(Data Source: bhf.org.uk)

Emotional disorder is common after an attack. Like any other brush with death, heart attack can unleash intense negative emotion. Survivors often feel stressed, depressed, confused and nervous. Unfortunately many slip into the abyss of depression. You may go through a range of negative emotions such as depression, fear, anger and loneliness.

Although feeling bleak may seem natural after an attack however depression is something which should not be taken lightly. When left untreated depression can simply hasten death

How common is depression after a coronary attack?

The answer is simple - Very common.

• ·        20% of all heart attack survivors suffer from major depression
• ·        Another 20% suffer from mild to moderate depression
• ·        Every 1 out of 3 long-term heart attack survivors slip into chronic depression

How dangerous is depression for heart health?

For heart patients depression can be deadly. Statistical data reveals shocking facts –

• ·        Majorly depressed heart patients are more likely to die within 6  months of a heart attack
• ·        Depressed heart patients are more likely to suffer future heart attacks

Still the question remains unanswered – why depression and heart disease is such a dangerous cocktail?

Well; the answer to the question however lies in the body's own natural reaction to anxiety and stress. Depression can trigger the release of stress hormones. These hormones in turn increase the heart rate, increase the blood pressure and thus disrupt the heart rhythm and damage the heart muscle. Research has also revealed that these hormones can also expedite the process of building up fatty plaques in the arteries, thus setting the perfect stage for future attacks.

Depression also sap the survivor’s will to live and to fight heart disease. A study reported in the “Archives of Internal Medicine” revealed –

A depressed heart patient is more reluctant to give up smoking, drinking and eating a low fat diet and in following doctor’s advice than a non depressed heart patient.

How can you actually protect yourself from depression?

You should know the signs and symptoms of depression to best protect yourself and your loved one from it.

National Institute of Mental Health says that it can be called depression if a person has at least any 5 signs from the following signs and symptoms for 2 weeks.

• ·        Frequently feeling sad and empty
• ·        Loss of interest in all activities
• ·        Unhealthy eating and sleeping patterns
• ·        Unnecessary crying
• ·        Thoughts of death
• ·        Fatigue
• ·        Difficulty in concentrating
• ·        Difficulty in remembering
• ·        Feeling helpless
• ·        Feeling worthless
• ·        Irritability
• ·        Unexplained pains and aches

Seek help right away if you think you or your loved one is suffering from depression after a heart attack.

Talk to the cardiologists in Orange County for complete heart health and to deal with your depression after a heart attack. You may even join a support group for heart attack survivors to talk with people and help each other.

Play your part well to fight with stress and depression. Daily walks are certainly a good exercise to start with. Walking is always enjoyable and it may improve your mood, increase your energy level and give you some strength to fight with your heart disease.