What Varicose Veins Say About Your Vein Health

There’s no denying that large, twisted varicose veins are unpleasant to look at. But they may also serve as a warning sign of underlying health issues that need your immediate attention.

At HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, our team of vein specialists offers comprehensive diagnostic care and treatment services for varicose veins. 

By staying proactive about vein care, you can help reduce your risk for serious health complications and improve the appearance of your legs.

The root cause of varicose veins

Varicose veins develop when faulty valves in your veins allow blood to flow backwards and pool in certain areas. This pooling causes your veins to swell and take on a twisted, bulging appearance.

Your legs are most susceptible to this condition compared to the rest of your body. That’s because in order to properly circulate blood back to your heart, your veins must work against gravity. This extra effort can weaken your veins and cause them to be noticeably enlarged because your blood can’t circulate properly.

Weakened veins are also a common side effect of the natural aging process. As you get older, your veins become weaker and may not function as they should. Other factors that may increase your risk for varicose veins include:

• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Family history
• Prolonged standing
• Use of certain medications

Without treatment, varicose veins can become painful and interfere with your mobility. Many people also take a hit to their self-esteem and are embarrassed by these discolored leg veins.

Recognize the warning signs of more serious vein issues

While varicose veins are a condition that warrants medical care on their own, these bulging veins may signal other health issues that require diagnostic evaluation.

Two common conditions that may play a role in the development of varicose veins include:

Deep vein thrombosis

Deep vein thrombosis is a condition where a blood clot forms in the deep veins of your legs. It causes persistent swelling and can become painful. This is a serious medical concern that can lead to pulmonary embolism.

Pulmonary embolism

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot in your vein breaks away and travels to your lungs. This condition is a medical emergency that requires immediate care to prevent life-threatening complications, including death.

At HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, we provide comprehensive vein services to prevent these health complications. We focus on preventive care to reduce the likelihood you’ll develop dangerous clots.

Treating varicose veins with the latest techniques

We offer the latest innovations in vein care, including those designed specifically to address varicose veins.

A common procedure that’s used to destroy damaged varicose veins is radiofrequency ablation. This procedure delivers radiofrequency energy into your affected veins to shrink and ultimately collapse them. Blood reroutes naturally into nearby healthy veins as the varicose vein is reabsorbed by your body.

VenaSeal™ works similarly to radiofrequency ablation, except the procedure uses a special medical adhesive to close off and destroy the vein.

You may also be a candidate for an ambulatory phlebectomy, a surgical procedure where the varicose veins are removed through small incisions.

Be proactive about your vein health

If you’re seeing changes in your veins that indicate early signs of a problem, don’t wait until it gets worse.

Our team at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC, works closely with you to reduce your risk for varicose veins and even more serious vein issues.

We have the solutions for unsightly, painful varicose veins. All you have to do is schedule a consultation with our providers at HeartCare Associates of Connecticut, LLC. Call one of our five locations today.