Venous Disease

What is Venous Disease?

Venous disease is a condition associated with impaired blood flow return to the heart (known as venous insufficiency). Nearly half of the people in the U.S. suffer from venous disease in one form or another, including:

• Spider Veins
• Varicose Veins
• Leg ulcers
• Swelling or pain

What is Venous Insufficiency?

To understand venous disease and be able to recognize symptoms of venous insufficiency, first we have to understand what the veins do. Our heart uses arteries to pump oxygenated blood throughout our bodies, supporting our various organs and systems, while veins are responsible for returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart so that it can be recirculated. Think about the distance from your feet up to your heart – your veins are working against gravity to push a large volume of pressurized blood upwards. This creates a strain on the structures of the veins themselves, resulting in venous insufficiency.

Veins are designed to be a one-way street, so they are equipped with valves that keep the blood flowing in the direction it is supposed to. If those valves are weakened and begin to fail, this is known as venous insufficiency. If you suffer from venous insufficiency, this means that those valves are damaged resulting in blood pooling in your veins and causing added pressure on the vein walls. This can lead to symptoms such as pain, swelling, leg heaviness and fatigue. In severe cases skin changes, ulcers, and varicose veins may occur.

What Are the Causes of Venous Insufficiency?

• Genetics – if one (or both) of your parents have varicose veins, it is highly likely you will develop them
• Job – A job where you are required to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time makes pressure and pooling blood worse
• Age – Over 50 percent of people over the age of 50 have varicose veins
• Gender – 55 percent of women have varicose veins, versus only 45 percent of men
• Obesity or pregnancy – Added weight causes added pressure on the veins in the legs, raising the risk of developing varicose veins
• Lifestyle – Smoking causes poor circulation, affecting the ability of the veins to work properly

What Can I do to Treat Venous Disease?

Venous disease itself is a progressive condition that cannot be cured, but there are ways to treat the symptoms. Luckily, varicose veins and other signs of venous insufficiency are warning signs of a more significant problem.These aren’t just cosmetic issues, but rather an early alert that there are deeper problems within your venous system that, if left untreated, can lead to serious health conditions.

For most people, varicose and spider veins are completely treatable. At Southern Vascular, we offer treatments right in our office that are minimally invasive and require little to no downtime for recovery. These nearly painless procedures can not only improve the appearance of your legs by eliminating unsightly veins, but can help improve your overall health.

When you come into Southern Vascular Clinic for a vein consultation, our team will perform a thorough exam so that we can devise a treatment plan that is specific to your needs. We understand that vein care is a critical element of your overall health, and will work to ensure that you experience comprehensive care in a warm, professional environment. Call us today at 337-534-4444 to schedule an appointment and put vein care at the top of your list.