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The Difference Between Normal Veins Vs. Varicose Veins

The Difference Between Normal Veins Vs. Varicose Veins

The Difference Between Normal Veins Vs. Varicose Veins

There are considerable differences between normal healthy veins versus varicose veins. It is a familiar belief that varicose veins only imply an aesthetic concern while they may signify health problems.

The cardiovascular system is an intricate network of vessels that carry blood throughout the body. It supplies blood to all body tissues so they can function optimally. It also serves to rid the body of waste products.

The heart is at the center of the cardiovascular system. It is a powerful organ that pumps blood to the lungs to obtain oxygen. It then sends the oxygen-rich blood to the entire body through larger vessels called arteries.

When your venous system is working correctly, tiny valves inside the veins push blood back to the heart. When these valves become damaged or weak, the blood cannot return to the heart. Instead, it backs up and begins to accumulate in the veins. When the veins malfunction, they become varicose veins.

Varicose veins are visibly bulging on the skin’s surface and often cause redness or discoloration of the skin at the site of the affected vein. They are considered unsightly and are often a cosmetic problem. However, varicose veins may be painful if they are severe and untreated. In addition, they may cause bleeding, ulcers, and blood clots.

Suppose you have any doubts about suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. In that case, it is time to make an appointment for varicose vein treatment at Modern Heart and Vascular Institute with one of our vein specialists.

NORMAL HEALTHY VEINS CHARACTERISTICS AND FUNCTIONING

One of the critical comments about entirely healthy and normal veins is that they are not abnormally noticeable on the skin’s surface. The heart is a vital organ that transmits oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. Veins are part of your circulatory, cardiovascular, or venous system.

Veins, smaller blood vessels than arteries, carry de-oxygenated blood back to the heart, doing the circulatory process again. However, veins do not possess the advantage of being an organ that contracts to force oxygenated blood to move in a favorable direction.

Instead, they comprise a series of valves. As the blood travels up your legs, these valves help prevent it from flowing backward, and muscle contractions in your legs allow it to move forward. As a result, your veins will go unnoticed only when their health is optimal.

Pumping blood to the legs from the heart is an easy process using arteries, but the veins in the legs have a more complicated job transporting blood from the legs to the heart, which goes against the flow of gravity.

VARICOSE VEINS CHARACTERISTICS

Varicose veins, on the other hand, are noticeable. They appear as gnarled, enlarged, twisted blood vessels beneath the skin’s surface. As mentioned previously, these symptoms of varicose veins develop when there is a problem with the proper passage of blood in the body. For example, the valves may stop working, allowing blood to accumulate, and resulting in enlarged veins.

Women are more predisposed to have varicose veins. However, some risk factors may also contribute to their occurrence, including pregnancy, genetic background, obesity, and prolonged standing.

WHEN TO TALK TO YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER OR VISIT A VEIN SPECIALIST

While you may have a strong suspicion that the condition is developing, no matter how keen your eyes and senses are, you may only see the veins on the surface. As a result, Varicose veins and others closer to the skin may form out of sight.

Seeing a vein specialist is the best way to check your veins, as they may scan a complete image of your legs using ultrasound technology to look at even the most profound veins in your legs.

HOW TO PROCEED WHEN HAVING VARICOSE VEINS

When you detect varicose veins in your legs, or if a specialist confirms it to you, taking the proper steps to manage the problem is crucial to the health of your veins. While for some individuals, their condition may never progress beyond its current state, others may find that symptoms become increasingly worse or may even indicate a more serious underlying condition.

To keep symptoms under control, at a minimum, you should take care of them at home. These measures you should take include such things as the following:

  • Wear compression stockings to reduce swelling and help blood flow, helping slow down their development.
  • Exercise more regularly, especially in physical activities such as swimming, running, and walking.
  • Reduce consumption of food high in sugar and fat.

If your veins cause swelling, discomfort, itching, pain, or other symptoms, it is worth speaking to a vein specialist doctor to see how you should treat them. With actual treatments without pain that require no downtime, treating your veins is a better option than ever.

FACTORS THAT MIGHT INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF DEVELOPING VARICOSE VEINS

Several factors may increase the possibility of developing varicose veins, such as the following:

  • Age: as we age, veins may begin to lose elasticity, causing the valves to become less effective.
  • Genetics: you are more likely to develop varicose veins if a close relative also has the condition.
  • Gender: Studies suggest that women are more susceptible to suffering from varicose veins compared to men.
  • Weight: Being overweight may put more pressure on the valves, making them more susceptible to rupture and leak.
  • Occupation: Studies suggest that specific jobs that require standing for long periods may increase the risk of varicose veins.
  • Pregnancy: Being pregnant may raise your chance of developing varicose veins due to the augmented amount of blood in your body, increased hormone levels, and the expanding pressure of the uterus.
  • Medical conditions: certain conditions may increase your risk for varicose veins.

BEST TREATMENTS FOR VARICOSE VEINS

At Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, we offer a variety of minimally invasive varicose vein treatments that our vein specialists perform under local anesthesia and including the following:

VEIN ABLATION or Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT): Vein ablation treatment locates the damaged vein with ultrasound before using laser heat to collapse the vein wall and destroy the cause of the problem.

SCLEROTHERAPY (foam or fluid): Sclerotherapy is an injectable treatment that involves injecting a foam or fluid sclerosing solution into the affected veins to cause inflammation and expel blood from the area that will eventually close the vein.

VENASEAL TREATMENT: VenaSeal treatment for varicose veins uses a medical adhesive the vein specialist applies inside the vein through a small catheter. The vein specialist closes the vein, and the blood redirects through other healthy veins.

VEIN TREATMENT AT MODERN HEART AND VASCULAR

At Modern Heart and Vascular, we have years of experience providing the best and latest vein removal treatments and have treated several patients concerned about their veins. In addition, we work with highly qualified vascular specialists with extensive experience and training in their field.

We offer some of the least invasive methods for varicose veins and other vein conditions. And with no lengthy downtime or recovery required. Instead, we focus on the underlying cause of your veins.

The benefits of non-surgical and least-invasive treatments are the following:

  • Ninety-eight success rate
  • Extremely effective
  • Walk-in treatment
  • May be performed in a clinic (without hospitalization)
  • No general anesthesia
  • No downtime or time off work

 

It would be best if you treat your varicose veins as soon as possible. However, if you can point out worrisome changes in the appearance of your veins on the surface of your skin, then have a vein specialist check it out immediately. You may book an appointment for varicose vein treatment at any of our Modern Heart and Vascular Institute clinics.

It is always best to prevent a problem from developing before it becomes more severe. Additionally, if you have threat factors for varicose veins, such as family background, consider calling us to visit our Modern Heart and Vascular experts. We can offer you additional ideas to maintain your veins thriving while you execute your daily activities.

Varicose veins may cause discomfort, cramping, loss of function, and more severe health problems. If you or somebody you cherish is at risk of presenting varicose veins, we suggest consulting a specialist healthcare provider or your physician.

If you have suspicions about varicose veins or desire to be assessed by one of our vascular experts, do not hesitate to contact us.

At Modern Heart and Vascular, we are determined to place our patients first and provide all the responses to your questions about heart health and heart conditions. We accept most major insurance companies, including Medicare. Some appointments are available.

CONSULTATIONS ARE AVAILABLE AT OUR DIFFERENT LOCATIONS

  • Humble, Texas
  • Katy, Texas
  • Cleveland, Texas
  • The Woodlands, Texas
  • Livingston, Texas
  • Humble, Texas – imaging Center

We are Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, a diagnostic and preventative medicine cardiology practice. For more information, contact us.

Every heart has a story… What’s yours?

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CARDIOVASCULAR CENTERS IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

Modern Heart and Vascular, a preventive cardiology medical practice, has several offices around Houston. We have locations in Humble, Cleveland, The Woodlands, Katy, and Livingston.

We are Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, a diagnostic and preventative medicine cardiology practice.

Every heart has a story… What’s yours?

Book an Appointment Today

At the Modern Heart and Vascular Institute, we offer state-of-the-art cardiovascular care with innovative diagnostic tools and compassionate patient care. Our priority at Modern Heart and Vascular Institute is prevention. We help patients lead healthier lives by avoiding unnecessary procedures and surgeries.

Contact us online to learn more and book an appointment. If you’d like to learn more about our practice, read our providers’ bios.

This article does not provide medical advice. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you need cardiovascular care, please call us at 832-644-8930.

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