Varicose veins, usually located in a person’s legs, are purple-blue veins which become swollen and twisted with pooling blood due to poor circulation. Varicose veins are a condition caused by a problem with the flow of blood from the extremities back up to the heart. As a result, many individuals who have varicose veins or who are at risk of developing them worry that varicose veins could be related to or a symptom of cardiovascular disease. If you have varicose veins, you can put your worries to rest. Although varicose veins can be unpleasant to look at and cause discomfort, they indicate a circulatory problem – not the presence of a heart problem or cardiovascular disease.
What Should Concern You About Varicose Veins
While varicose veins do not indicate heart disease, they do come with health risks and symptoms of their own. In addition to their appearance, varicose veins cause sufferers pain, discomfort, itching, cramping and a feeling of heaviness in the legs. When left untreated, varicose veins also put individuals at a higher risk of suffering more serious complications, such as:
- increased pain and swelling
- inflammatory conditions of the veins
- obstructed blood flow
- blood clots (deep vein thrombosis)
- pulmonary embolism
Though heart disease and varicose veins are unrelated, individuals who suffer from both conditions are at an even higher risk of serious health problems, such as infections and swelling.
Cardiovascular Care and Varicose Vein Treatment
Although varicose veins aren’t an indication of cardiovascular disease, individuals with varicose veins should still pay attention to the health of their hearts and cardiovascular systems. Be prepared and proactive by knowing the signs of heart attacks.
At Abella Health, we treat the whole person but specialize in cardiovascular health and varicose veins. We address these issues through various methods of treatment, considering what has caused them and what they indicate for your future health. Make an appointment with Abella Health today.