She noticed them right after having her third child, varicose veins weaving down her right leg, starting from the back of her right thigh to just above her knee. The bulging, ropey veins left her feeling ugly and embarrassed. While most of us worry about how they look, we rarely consider them being a sign of something serious. They potentially are more than the unsightly consequences of age or pregnancy. They could be signs of vascular problems.
At least half of all Americans over the age of 50, and two-thirds of women over 60, suffer from varicose veins. For some, not seeking treatment can progress into a more serious form of vein (venous) disease called Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). It is a progressive disease that can be debilitating and even cause chronic infections and skin ulcerations. CVI occurs when stresses on the venous system, even prolonged standing, weaken and stretch vein structure. Blood flow is impaired, blood pools in the legs, the veins begin to bulge, and rise to the skin’s surface.
The Five Must-Knows about Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency:
1. They Are More Than Cosmetic. If you are noticing them for the first time, or see an increase of varicose veins, visit your primary care doctor. He or she may refer you to a vascular specialist.
2. Be Aware & Share: The Vascular Factor. Varicose veins do not directly translate into a genuine vascular problem. In fact, they are often not even considered a potential symptom of vascular weakening, even by medical professionals. Both Peripheral Artery Disease and CVI can strain blood flow and the vascular system. Early identification and awareness of these diseases can provide patients better outcomes. Be aware and share this knowledge.
3. Varicose Veins Are Not CVI. They are not one in the same. Sometimes varicose veins just happen. Only a physician can determine the cause and whether CVI is part of the problem. Some common symptoms of CVI can include varicose veins, restless legs, aching, cramping, burning/itching of the skin on the legs, leg ulcers, or open sores.
4. Discover & Do Something. If CVI is identified, the medical solution is minimally invasive. It is a non-surgical, outpatient procedure that is usually covered by insurance. One treatment is the Venefit™ procedure with the ClosureFast™ Radiofrequency Catheter. A thin, flexible tube is inserted into a diseased vein, which is then sealed shut. The procedure takes place in the doctor’s office, so it doesn’t require a hospital visit. The procedure can be done in an hour, and the patient can resume normal activity within a day.
5. Pursue Prevention. Avoiding varicose veins and the potential of CVI is the best solution. Basic lifestyle changes such as being physically active and not being overweight are a start. If possible, avoid prolonged standing or sitting and tight clothes around the waist/legs.
At the end of the day, Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency can affect men, women, young, and old. In fact, more than 30 million Americans suffer from Varicose Veins and Chronic Venous Insufficiency. Only 1.9 million seek treatment annually. Be aware, be proactive, and seek quality care from quality medical professionals.
To meet these growing health needs of their patients and to help treat vein disease, Cardiologists Gloria Jean Mays, Ricardo Gutierrez, and Gordon Mitchell expanded their health services over two years ago to establish the Brazos Vein Institute. In addition to treating vein disorders at the Brazos Vein Institute, Doctors Mays, Gutierrez, and Mitchell are part of the Central Texas Heart Center, which has been serving the Brazos Valley’s cardiology needs for over 25 years. To schedule a consultation with a Brazos Vein Institute physician, or to sign up for a free screening event, call 979.776.9255 (WALK) or visit www.brazosvein.com for more details. When you think Brazos Valley – think Brazos Vein Institute!