Varicose Veins
by
Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD DefinitionVaricose veins are enlarged and swollen veins. They’re most common in the legs, but can happen anywhere.
Causes TOPVeins have one way valves to channel blood back to the heart. Damage to the valves causes blood to pool in the veins. This causes them to get bigger. They’re also easier to see under the skin. Risk Factors TOPVaricose veins are more common in women. Your chances are also higher if you:
Symptoms TOPCommon problems include:
Skin changes may result in:
Diagnosis TOPThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. Your answers and a physical exam may point to varicose veins. In some cases, a Doppler ultrasound may be done. Treatment TOPCare may involve: Lifestyle ChangesTo start out, your doctor may advise:
ProceduresProcedures are done if other care methods fail to work:
Prevention TOPTo lower your chances of varicose veins.
RESOURCES:American College of Phlebology http://www.phlebology.org Society for Vascular Surgery https://vascular.org CANADIAN RESOURCES:Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery https://vascular.ca Health Canada https://www.canada.ca References:
Varicose veins. EBSCO DynaMed Plus website. Available at:
http://www.dynamed.com/topics/dmp~AN~T116699/Varicose-veins
. Updated March 30, 2018. Accessed July 11, 2018.
Varicose veins. Society for Vascular surgery website. Available at:
https://vascular.org/patient-resources/vascular-conditions/varicose-veins. Accessed July 11, 2018. Varicose veins and spider veins. Office on Women's Health website. Available at:
https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/varicose-veins-and-spider-veins. Updated March 16, 2018. Accessed July 11, 2018. Last reviewed May 2018 by
EBSCO Medical Review Board
Michael J. Fucci, DO, FACC Last Updated: 7/11/2018 | |
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