Varicose veins are not only unsightly, but they’re also a sign that the valves in your leg veins aren’t working properly. Addressing varicose veins restores the appearance of your legs and improves your vascular health.
For many people, the main concern about varicose veins is the way they look, but cardiovascular physician Nader Chadda, MD, and the Advanced Heart & Vascular Associates team want patients to know that varicose veins may be a sign of deeper trouble. We offer treatments to eliminate them at our offices in Brooksville, Land O’ Lakes, and Hudson, Florida.
Varicose veins provide a clue into your vascular health. Varicose veins develop when the one-way vein valves that keep your blood flowing toward the heart weaken and can’t do their job well.
Weak or dysfunctional vein valves in the legs allow blood to pool, placing pressure against vein walls. Over time the walls weaken, and the extra pressure causes veins to appear twisted, bulged, and rope-like.
They can develop anywhere, however, due to the effect of gravity, varicose veins most often appear on the legs. People with varicose veins may feel self-conscious about the appearance of their legs and may even avoid wearing clothing that shows their legs.
Varicose veins are much more than a cosmetic issue. They can cause discomfort and potentially serious health complications.
Who’s likely to get varicose veins? People with varicose veins are at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis, which occurs when a blood clot forms in one of your deep veins. The blood clot can break off and cause a sudden blockage of the lung (pulmonary embolism, or PE). PE can cause permanent damage to the lungs and is a medical emergency that can lead to death.
People with varicose veins are also more likely to develop skin ulcers near those veins. These shallow wounds are painful and vulnerable to infection.
Some people have a genetic predisposition for developing varicose veins. If you have a close relative who has varicose veins, you’re more likely to get them. While genes are outside of your control, other factors contribute to varicose vein development. Increased vascular pressure is a major factor. That’s why you’re prone to getting varicose veins if you:
There’s no way to completely prevent varicose veins. However, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can reduce your risk.
Dr. Chadda offers traditional and innovative approaches to treating varicose veins and improving your vascular health.
VenaSeal™ is the latest advancement in varicose vein treatment. It uses a medical adhesive to close off bad veins. Treated veins are absorbed by the body, and blood is rerouted to healthy veins.
Approved by the FDA in 2015, this cutting-edge treatment permanently and effectively eliminates targeted varicose veins so that your vascular health and the cosmetic appearance of your legs improves.
Endovenous ablation is one of the most commonly used treatments for varicose veins. The procedure involves using heat energy to close off varicose veins. The heat is directed through a small hollow tube called a catheter to the targeted vein. The heat causes the vein to collapse.
The top-quality cardiology team at Advanced Heart and Vascular Associates is devoted to providing vascular patients with the best possible care. To learn more about varicose vein treatments and for all of your vascular needs, contact our office today to schedule an appointment, or book one online. We offer telehealth and in-person visits.
