Veins play an important role in the cardiovascular system, because they circulate deoxygenated blood from the organs back to the heart. Vein disease includes anything that impacts that overall function of the veins and their ability to pump blood through the body.
There are four main types of veins. Deep veins are located in deep muscle tissue, while superficial veins are close to the skin’s surface. Pulmonary veins are the only veins that carry oxygenated blood; they move blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart. Systemic veins are located throughout the body and move deoxygenated blood to the heart.
Symptoms of vein disease
Vein disease begins as a minor condition, and one that many people view as simply cosmetic. However, vein disease is a progressive condition that can become serious if left untreated. Some common symptoms of vein disease include:
- Spider veins
- Achiness or heaviness in the legs or arms
- Edema or skin changes
- Restless legs
- Discoloration of the skin
For many patients, symptoms of vein disease increase when sitting or standing for long periods of time. Elevating the affected limbs or using compression garments may help improve symptoms.
Causes and risk factors for vein disease
There are many possible causes of vein disease, including improperly formed veins at birth, injuries that affect the veins, weakened vein walls, or damaged valves.
As with many cardiovascular conditions, the risk of vein disease increases with age as natural changes occur in the body. Risk factors for vein disease include:
- Age – Veins weaken as we age, and anyone over the age of 50 is at higher risk of vein disease.
- Gender – Women are at greater risk for vein disease, and vein disease may occur in younger women during pregnancy.
- Obesity – Extra weight can put excess stress on the veins and weaken them over time.
- Smoking – Smoking impacts the cardiovascular system, which includes the veins.
- High blood pressure – Uncontrolled high blood pressure weakens the walls of the veins.
- History of blood clots – Individuals who have previously had a blood clot are at higher risk for vein disease and additional clots.
- Lack of movement – People with a sedentary lifestyle or who sit or stand for long periods are at higher risk due to blood moving less efficiently through the veins.
Getting regular movement is one of the best ways to support the veins and reduce the risk of vein disease, in addition to eating a healthy diet, quitting smoking, and controlling high blood pressure through lifestyle change or medication.
Types of vein disease
Vein disease falls into two main categories: venous insufficiency and thrombosis.
Venous insufficiency means the veins are not able to effectively pump blood back to the heart. This often occurs because the one-way valves in the veins are weak or damaged and allow blood to flow background. Spider veins, varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and venous ulcers all fall within the category of venous insufficiency.
- Spider veins occur when veins close to the skin break and result in pooling blood that appears in a web-like formation.
- Varicose veins are large, twisted veins that can be seen through the skin’s surface.
- Chronic venous insufficiency is caused by blood pooling in the legs instead of traveling back to the heart due to weak or damaged valves. Both varicose veins and venous ulcers can be signs of chronic venous insufficiency.
- Venous ulcers are wounds, typically on the leg or ankle, that do not heal properly due to inadequate blood flow. They often begin as a red, irritated rash and progress to an open wound.
Thrombosis is a clot in a blood vessel that limits the flow of blood. Venous thromboembolism specifically refers to blood clots that begin in the veins, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a DVT travels to the lungs, it can result in a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition.
Diagnosing vein disease
To diagnose vein disease, your physician will ask about your family history and personal health history and then conduct a physical examination. Many symptoms of vein disease are visible on the skin, such as spider or varicose veins, discoloration, skin ulcers, or swelling.
If needed, your physician may order diagnostic tests. A duplex ultrasound combines ultrasound technology with Doppler ultrasound to show the direction of blood flow and look for any evidence of blood clots. Other diagnostic tests include using contrast dye with X-ray, CT, or MRI technology to check for blood pooling or clots.
Treatments for vein disease
Vein disease is a progressive condition that worsens over time, so it’s important to seek treatment early to help manage the disease and potentially slow progression. There are several treatments for vein disease depending on your specific symptoms, diagnosis, and health history.
- Anticoagulants, or blood thinners, may be prescribed to reduce clot risk.
- Endovenous ablation is a non-surgical outpatient procedure to treat varicose veins.
- A vena cava filter, made for patients who can’t take blood thinners, is a mesh device inserted into the vein to catch clots before they can reach the lungs.
- Multiple vein surgery options are available, including vein stripping or ligation surgery to help redirect blood flow to healthy veins.
- Compression stockings or bandages can help reduce swelling in the extremities.
- Lifestyle changes, including increased physical activity, elevating the legs, quitting smoking, and maintaining a healthy weight can also help reduce the impact of vein disease.
Vein disease encompasses many different conditions that affect more than 30 million people in the United States. While there is no cure for vein disease, there are many treatment options available to help slow the progression and improve quality of life.
If you are experiencing symptoms of vein disease, contact Oklahoma Heart Hospital to schedule an appointment with one of our vein disease specialists.