Are My Varicose Veins a Danger to My Health?

Have you noticed large, twisty veins appearing on your legs? You may be dealing with varicose veins, which aren't just a cosmetic problem. They could be a sign that something bigger is going on in the body.

Swollen and discolored veins in your legs, feet, and ankles aren't usually dangerous. Still, they can be a sign of venous insufficiency. While many people have mild to moderate symptoms, you could suffer severe issues if you leave varicose veins untreated.

At the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute, our team, led by Dr. Hesham Fakhri and Dr. Octavio Cosme, provide several therapies for venous insufficiency, like compression therapy, sclerotherapy, and vein stenting.

Dr. Fakhri and Dr. Cosme are experienced cardiologists who can help you understand varicose veins and how we treat them to avoid complications.

Causes of varicose veins

Varicose veins — twisty, large, discolored veins that appear on the legs, feet, and ankles — are  unsightly, but aren’t always a danger to your health. They are different from spider veins, which are smaller and less noticeable.

But what causes varicose veins in the first place? Blood should always move forward in the veins, which is possible thanks to the valves in your veins. When these valves weaken or don't work correctly, the blood backs up, causing the vein to swell and become noticeable under the skin.

These valves weaken over time, especially as you age. Older adults are more likely to develop varicose veins due to this weakening. Other risk factors for developing varicose veins include:

• Excess weight
• Female gender
• Family history
• Certain medical conditions
• Wearing restrictive clothing
• Standing or sitting for long periods
• Smoking

Varicose veins are prevalent and a nuisance for most people. These veins sometimes cause such symptoms as itching, leg heaviness, and pain. You may also notice swelling and the formation of venous ulcers in severe cases.

Most varicose veins appear on the lower extremities but can happen in other areas. Pelvic congestion syndrome occurs when varicose veins form in the pelvic region.

Are varicose veins dangerous?

Varicose veins aren't always a cause for concern, especially if you don't have any symptoms or other health problems. But they can signal that the valves within the veins aren't operating correctly, which could signal a problem getting blood back to your heart.

As we’ve already mentioned, varicose veins don't usually pose a severe health risk, but they cause complications without treatment. The main issues associated with varicose veins are:

Ulcers

Untreated varicose veins may lead to venous stasis ulcers and skin discoloration. Bleeding from the ulcer can occur, and without proper care and treatment, the ulcers may become infected.

Chronic venous insufficiency

Chronic venous insufficiency is one of the issues related to varicose veins. Severe veins can signal that you have the condition, making it difficult for blood to return to your heart for reoxygenation.

Blood clots

People with varicose veins are more likely to develop blood clots, which can be a life-threatening complication. Thrombophlebitis, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolisms are all blood clot conditions. A pulmonary embolism is dangerous and requires emergency care.

Seek treatment for varicose veins to prevent blood clots and ulcers. We offer various treatments for varicose veins, including endovenous ablation, microphlebectomy, and sclerotherapy. These treatments reduce the size of the veins and eliminate symptoms and risks associated with them.

To get help for varicose veins, call the Vein, Heart, and Vascular Institute today to schedule a consultation with our team. You may also request a consultation right here on our website. We’re located in Tampa, Wesley Chapel, and Sun City Center, Florida.