Varicose Veins are twice as prevalent as coronorary heart disease (CHD).1
Risk Factors
- Family history
- Pregnancy and other conditions that put pressure on veins in the legs
- A history of blood clots
- A history of smoking
- Standing or sitting for long periods of time
- Being overweight, which increases pressure on the legs
- Female sex (related to levels of the hormone progesterone)
- Menopause
- Aging, which results in decreased elasticity of blood vessels
- Weakened blood vessel walls
- Inflammation of the veins (known as phlebitis)
- Chronic constipation and in rare cases, tumors
Of the more than 30 million people in the United States with varicose veins only 1.9 million seek treatment each year.
What are Varicose Veins treatments?
Varicose Veins Procedures
There are some minimally invasive procedures that can help restore blood flow to the heart by closing the diseased vein and rerouting the blood to the healthier veins. One procedure involves the injection of non-formulated medical adhesive (Venaseal Vein Glue) or foam to close the diseased vein. Other options are radiofrequency ablation (RF Ablation) or Endovenous Laser Ablation (EVLT). RF Ablation and EVLT procedures involve the use of heat to close off the vein.
Other at-home treatments
It is possible that to manage venous insufficiency by using non-surgical treatments. Elevating the legs while sitting or during sleep can help reduce the swelling of the legs and provide relief for other symptoms. Compression stockings are elastic hosiery that can improve blood circulation by applying pressure to the legs and compressing the diseased veins. Patients with varicose veins should avoid standing or sitting for a prolonged period of time. Exercise and weight loss are also beneficial for treating venous insufficiency
