Venous Disease
The heart pumps blood through a system of blood vessels known as the circulatory and vascular system. Blood vessels are hollow, flexible tubes that transport the blood throughout the body. The circulatory system contains arteries that carry the oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other body parts. Veins, on the other hand, carry deoxygenated blood back to the heart where it is recycled and redistributed throughout the body.
What Is Venous Disease?
The body’s network of veins is known as the venous system. Venous disease is any condition that affects the way your veins work. Venous disease often begins with discomfort in the legs and progresses to varicose veins, skin discoloration, and ulcers. Various risk factors are linked to the onset and progression of venous disease.
Luckily, most of these risk factors are lifestyle-related and are quickly addressed by making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet and exercising.
Today, venous disease is one of the most common disorders that affect up to 60 percent of adults over the age of 50 years, globally.
Standing for long hours, excess weight, and lack of exercise are other main contributors to venous disease. Research also shows that women are at a greater risk of contracting venous diseases than men. This is attributed to the hormonal changes before the menstrual period and during pregnancy, which weaken the vein’s walls.
Common Venous Diseases
Venous Blood clots in the vein usually develop when slowed blood flow in the legs and feet. The condition is also caused by vein damage because of an infection or injury.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a clot develops in a vein within your deep venous system. Veins that reside in your deep venous system, lay underneath muscle tissue and are not visible to the human eye. While a blood clot in the vein may not damage the vein itself, it has the potential to break and travel through the bloodstream. As the blood clot travels through the blood vessels, it can become lodged within the blood vessels of the the lung blood leading to a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism… Read More About Deep Vein Thrombosis
Phlebitis or superficial venous thrombosis is a condition that develops when a blood clot forms in the veins close to the skins surface. Some symptoms can include pain and tenderness along the clotted vein, hardening and feeling cord-lie.
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition characterized by leg swelling, pooling of blood, skin discoloration, and venous stasis ulcers. The leading cause of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is varicose veins and blood clots. Healthy veins are responsible for a continuous flow of blood from the limbs to the heart. Varicose veins and blood clots disrupt the normal function of the veins. Blood clots and varicose veins lead to obstructions that restrict the blood from flowing forward through the veins and back to the heart … Read More
Varicose veins are usually bulging veins running just beneath your skin surface. The veins often appear on the legs and feet. They develop when the valves in the veins stops functioning properly and allows blood to flow backwards. Superficial varicose veins (spider veins) are visible swollen and twisted veins surrounded by patches of flooded capillaries. Most often, varicose veins are usually harmless although, sometimes they can be painful and a point of insecurity for patients.
Static blood flow causes venous stasis ulcers. There are two types of non-healing ulcers of venous and material ulcers. These non-healing ulcers are often open sores or wounds that do not heal or keep resurfacing. In venous disease, ulcers are usually located in the spat area between the ankle and the calf, often on the medial aspect of the leg. Arterial non-healing ulcers occur as a result of reduced arterial blood flow and subsequent tissue perfusion. Venous stasis ulcers often form below the knees and are located primarily on the leg’s inner part or above the ankle.
A venous leg ulcer is the most common type of leg ulcer, accounting for more than 90% of all cases. Venous leg ulcers can develop after a minor injury, where persistently high pressure in the veins of the legs has damaged the skin.
Who Is At Risk?
Venous disease can affects both men and women at anytime in their lives.
However, some people are at more risk of contracting the venous disease than others.
The common risk factors for this condition include:
- Age – Those over 50 years are at higher risk. As we grow old, the vein walls and valves become weak, preventing efficient blood circulation.
- Gender – Women are three times more likely to get this condition than men are. Hormone level changes tend to weaken the veins’ walls, affecting how the valves work.
- Occupation – Teachers, nurses, and cooks spend most of their time standing. On the other hand, office workers spend long hours seated. Long hours of inactivity put you at high risk of contracting a venous disease. Taking a break and exercising can help in lowering the risks.
- History of Tobacco Usage – Smoking damages the blood vessels, increasing the chances of getting a venous disease.
- Pregnancy
- Inactive Lifestyle
- Obesity
- Family History
Why Monterey Bay Vascular?
At Monterey Bay Vascular, we offer coordinated care to prevent, diagnose, and treat vascular disease.
We understand, everyone deserves to live a long, happy life. Vascular disease may lead to limb loss and other life-threatening conditions such as pulmonary embolism. Our licensed vascular surgeon uses state-of-the-art tools and technology to tackle all problems related to your vascular system. Thanks to our vast wealth of experience, we also work with our patients to develop a unique solution that fits your needs. Contact us today to learn more about the vascular treatments we offer and schedule an appointment today!