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.

Shortness of Breath Symptoms and Treatment in Huntington Beach

It is common to experience shortness of breath when you exert to an extent. However it is also important to mention here, if you frequently suffer from short of breath then it is significant to talk to a doctor and seek medical attention. Let us take a look at the basic first aid for shortness of Breath Treatment.

Breathlessness, difficulty in breathing or more precisely shortness of breath is certainly an uncomfortable sensation. ‘Dysponea’ as it has been medically termed; breathlessness is undeniably a medical concern. Victim may feel winded or feel puffed and in certain cases breathing may even hurt.

Yes, it is common to experience shortness of breath when you exert to an extent. However it is also important to mention here, if you frequently suffer from breathlessness then it is significant to talk to a doctor and seek medical attention. Yes, frequent breathlessness may have some unidentified underlying serious medical conditions.

Before delving any further about the causes of breathing difficulty, let us understand breathlessness in detail

What’s ‘shortness of breath’ anyway?

Medically speaking; this is a particular condition when you may find it difficult to breathe. It may happen suddenly or even can develop slowly over the time. The scientific reason for shortness of breath is simple – your body needs some more amount of oxygen and that’s why you are compelled to breathe faster.

Who can experience shortness of breath or breathlessness?

Sudden breathlessness is one of the leading causes of rushing to the emergency room. It is however common to feel short of breath when exercising or exerted.  However serious and severe breathlessness, which occurs suddenly is a medical concern and in most of the cases stand as a staggering symptom of heart and lung diseases.

What are the causes of breathlessness?

Short term, acute and severe breathlessness may occur if you are suffering from asthma, pneumonia or suffering from COPD medically known as “Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease”.  Also, certain heart diseases or clot in the lung, acute anxiety and even anemia may often cause breathlessness.

Let us now take a look at the basic first aid for shortness of Breath Treatment in Huntington Beach

There is no one size all approach when it comes to the point of treating breathlessness. This is because treatment mostly depends on the cause of the discomfort. Although some cases can be managed by the General Physicians however it is always recommended to visit a cardiologist if you experience breathlessness frequently.

First – Aid Steps for treating breathlessness

As already briefed patients need to visit a cardiologist or a lung specialist (depending on the cause of breathlessness) however there are certain first aid steps, which you can follow for treating breathlessness in certain emergency situation, until you are able to admit the patient to the hospital.

Let the patient rest: Yes, you should do your level best to let the victim rest. The logic is simple here, more the victim exerts, more oxygen he use and as an obvious next result more breathless he may feel. Think once, what happens when you exercise hard at the gym? Simple, you feel breathless. Same is the case of the victim as well. Let the victim rest for some time and in the mean time keep a close eye at his breathing pattern.

Let the patient lay, stand or sit comfortably: In fact a lot of myths still shroud about how to position the patient who is suffering from breathlessness. Players are often recommended to hold arms above their head for maximum air inflow. On the other hand, paramedics often recommend “tripod position" for victims. However we never get tired of saying, each case and every patient is different. So, it is always recommended to let the patient decide his own comfortable body position.

Dial 911: When resting, sitting or lying in comfortable body position is not serving the purpose, do not delay any further and call 911. As we have already said breathlessness may have many underlying causes. In some cases, severe lung issues, heart attack or other life threatening issues may even cause breathlessness. Use your best judgments and call 911, which can strike the difference between life and death

For victims with some chronic lung problem, use oxygen: Check whether or not the parent has oxygen available. During the episodes of breathlessness the patient should use oxygen. Calm him down and assure the patient that in the period of acute breathlessness, oxygen is required and he need not to worry about the amount he takes.

Remember; the treatment for breathlessness is case specific and should be left to the professionals.

Good Luck!

Sudden Cardiac Arrest? Consult With The Cardiologists In Orange County

People often ignore the serious symptoms and warning signs before they collapse. In fact the Cardiologists in Orange County never get tired of saying, there are a number of classic symptoms associated chest pains owing to poor blood flow to the heart.

Time to talk about something important and pertinent! Yes; we are talking about sudden cardiac arrest.

Medically it has been defined as the abrupt loss and sudden arrest in the functioning of the heart. Of course; it is a life threatening event and if left untreated it may lead to sudden cardiac death ( SCD).

People who suffer from SCD, in most of the cases have coronary artery disease however there are also a few common as well as not so common conditions that may also lead to sudden cardiac death.

Sudden cardiac death (SCD) – A closer view
Let’s understand the mechanism of sudden cardiac arrest first.  Malignant ventricular arrhythmia which is triggered by the lack of blood flow to the heart (also known as cardiac ischemia) or triggered by damaged heart muscle is the leading cause for sudden cardiac arrest in people.

Yes; SCD affects people of all ethnicities, ages and health status. Some people may experience symptoms a few weeks before to this fatal event however in most of the cases due to lack of knowledge they may not even know it.

Statistical report and a recent study reveal the fact that people often ignore the serious symptoms and warning signs before they collapse. In fact we the Cardiologists in Orange County    never get tired of saying, there are a number of classic symptoms associated chest pains owing to poor blood flow to the heart.

Here Are the 5 Classic Symptoms of Heart Attack

•    Chest pain and often acute chest pain, intense chest pressure with or without extension to jaw and left arm
•    Shortness of breath even when at rest or even with the least amount of exertion
•    Excessive amount of sweating (Medical term – Diaphoresis)
•    Unexplained tiredness and nausea
•    The feeling as if you are going to die

It is very important to recognize and address the warning signs and symptoms. All the symptoms mentioned above could signal a heart attack. You should seek immediate medical attention if in case you experience any of these symptoms. Remember; your life may actually depend on you’re the decision you take.

It is also pertinent to mention, heart attack is not always the only reason for sudden cardiac arrest.

In fact; in a recent study the researchers have evaluated the common symptoms from patients during the weeks prior their catastrophic sudden cardiac arrest. Curiously the researchers also identified the early warning symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitation, feeling of losing consciousness etc.

Although these warning signs are similar to the heart attack symptoms however investigators clearly pointed out certain unique differences.

These signs are worrying in people suffering from diabetes, high blood cholesterol, high blood pressure and obesity.

Moreover; these symptoms are also especially worrisome in people who have established heart disease.

The warning signs can also be different between men and women. A recent study has clearly pointed out; men tend to have more chest pain while women tend to have lightheadedness, shortness of breath and dizziness. Although the exact reason for the difference in the signs and symptoms between men and women is still unknown but this is also one significant factor why heart attacks are often missed in women in comparison to their male counterpart.

What should you do in sudden cardiac arrest?

The symptoms and signs of heart attack should not be ignored. Medically speaking; the signs and symptoms of heart attack appear only when the blood flow in the heart is compromised. Needless to say; the signs and symptoms are therefore the strong indicators that the heart is at risk.

Severe, acute and crushing chest pain in left or center of your chest or acute shortness of breath is the sure sign to head to the emergency room. Losing consciousness unexpectedly is also quite concerning.

In these cases, dialing 9-1-1 or contacting emergency medical services (EMS) is recommended.

Keep in mind; calling EMS has a survival advantage in comparison to not calling EMS. Also; do not ignore the warning signs and do not drive yourself to the hospital.

The bottom-line – Depending on the size and severity of the heart attacks, the signs and catastrophic warning symptoms of heart attack usually vary. No matter how insignificant it may seem still the warning signs should not be ignored. The fact is undeniable – quicker the treatment is provided, better the chances of long term damage.

Heart Attack – Symptoms, Causes and How to Defeat It

Heart attack has become a common health problem across the USA. This article sheds lights to what heart-attack is along with its symptoms, causes and how to defeat this growing menace. 

What Is Heart-Attack?

You wake up in the morning and discover an indomitable pain on your chest. You may consider it as an acute indigestion problem. However, in reality, it may a grave sign of a heart related problem. It may cause a heart attack.

More than a million Americans suffer heart attacks in each year. Heart Attack or in medical terminology “Myocardial Infarction (MI)” simply means permanent damage to heart muscle. “Myo” refers to muscle and “cardial” to heart and "infarction" suggests the death of tissue in heart due to lack of blood supply.
However, before knowing what heart-attack is, you should also know how your heart functions.

How Heart Functions?

Heart is muscle. It is situated on the left of the centre in the chest and size of a clenched fist. There are four chambers in a heart – top two called atria and bottom two called ventricles. Heart pumps blood to lungs to receive oxygen and then pump it around the body. Oxygen-poor blood comes to heart through veins and arteries, enters to the right atrium and forwards to right ventricle through a one-way valve. Then it is sent to lungs for collecting oxygen. After collecting oxygen, blood returns to heart through left atrium. It then goes via another one-way valve to the left part of ventricle and then pumped around the body via aorta.

What Are The Symptoms Of Heart-Attack?

It will be really tough for an ordinary person to understand which one is heart attack and which one is not.  But you can always gauge heart attacks considering some symptoms. There are various symptoms that may constitute as heart attacks. These are:

•    Irregular pain or discomfort in the central of the chest, or stays for more than a few minutes
•    Pain or discomfort in either arm, or both arms
•    Back pain, stomach ache, discomfort in neck & jaw
•    Shortness of breathing.
•    Nausea, cold sweats or feeling light-headed.

However, it is advisable to visit a medical practitioner, if you are witnessing any of the above mentioned symptoms.

Causes of Heart-Attacks

Heart is a complex organ. This complexity can cause many problems. The below-list reveals some of the many problems that cause heart attacks.

•    Atherosclerosis (thickening of artery walls)
•    Coronary Heart Disease (plaque blocks arteries, causing blood clots)
•    Fright (heart-attacks during earthquakes)
•    Smoking (presence of toxins in cigarettes narrows the arteries)
•    Diabetes
•    Hypertension (high blood pressure)

Therefore, if you are suffering from one or more of the above health problems then you have a high risk of a heart-attack. In such case, it is better to consult with a medical practitioner.

Exercise Is the Best Way to Beat Heart Related Disease

Many cardiologists have revealed that unfitness is one of the many reasons that cause heart attacks. It is really important to maintain your fitness level to beat heart attacks. Especially, if you are in your sixties and little bit of overweight then it is always advisable to join gym.

However, it is always advisable to visit cardiologists when it comes to heart related problems. 

5 Heart Health Risk Factors Need to Watch Out In 2016

Sad but true, factors pertaining to health risk are growing. Even today’s cutting-edge technology is also not able to curve this deadly growth. In today’s time, there are more than dozens of risk factors that can cause inflammation of cardiac blood vessels, plaque formation and more. Although this note will discuss about the 5 most fatal heart health risk factors that need to look out in 2016. These risk factors are based on the history of cardiovascular risks, new research by the medical practitioners and more.

1. Smoking: Without a doubt, smoking is the top risk factor for both men and women that cause heart problems. Many of you may think that it is due to the presence of nicotine but that is not. Each puff of cigarette send up to 4,000 chemicals that include pesticides, insecticides and carbon monoxide. All of these chemicals are responsible for causing in one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease.

2. Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is the most fatal reason for causing heart diseases for women. The main reason of causing such problem is women have smaller number of blood vessels in heart compare to men. These problems make women vulnerable to high blood pressure. Women are also prone to diastolic dysfunction of the heart that results higher blood pressure in comparison with men. However, it doesn’t mean men can ignore heart related diseases. But since, anatomy of women is different from men and also uses NSAIDS than men; women are more prone towards this type of problems.

3. Acute Emotional Stress: Stress is a huge factor that causes heart health problems for both men and women. Stress is very risky for hostile and aggressive types of men and vitally exhausted types of women. Acute emotional stress also highly stressful for both men and women.

4. High Blood Sugar: High blood sugar leads to higher level of insulin. Insulin is the main culprit that causes inflammation of blood vessels. Moreover, two most important organizations that cater heart related issues in USA - American Heart Association & American College of Cardiology - have strengthened their focus on the regulation of sugar in blood.

5. Lp(a): Lp(a) are nothing but the cholesterol. More precisely, the most dangerous form of cholesterol. These are small, highly dense & very inflammatory cholesterol particle increases “stickiness” in blood, and contribute dramatically in formation of clots and chance of a heart attack.


Barring the above five, there are various other risks factors for the heart. These are small particle oxidized LDL cholesterol, high triglycerides, high homocysteine, elevated C-reactive protein and more.