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What Are Varicose Veins?

Veins are the blood vessels that carry blood from the body back to the heart. They contain one-way valves that keep blood flowing toward the heart. Veins can swell, causing aching, itching and open sores when the valves do not work right or when the vein wall is weakened or stretched. These swollen veins are called varicose veins. Varicose veins occur in both sexes but are more common in women. Heredity and acquired stresses cause the veins to weaken and bulge. They often first appear before age 40 and get worse with age.

The legs, feet, and pelvic area are most often affected. The legs are highly susceptible to forming varicose veins because these veins carry blood the greatest distance to return the blood to the heart. The most common sites of varicose veins are on the back of the calf and the inside of the leg. Usually they present only a visual problem, but severe cases may lead to pain, skin ulcers, and blood clots.

Symptoms usually appear before age 40 and include:

• prominent and blue appearance of veins in the legs
• swelling of the feet and ankles
• muscle cramps and aching
• leg muscles that tire easily
• soreness behind the knee
• persistent itching of the skin around the enlarged veins
• sores on the skin, especially near the ankle

In addition to heredity, factors contributing to the development of varicose veins include excess weight, hormonal changes during pregnancy or menopause, pressure on pelvic veins when pregnant, and long periods of standing.

The following tips will help reduce symptoms from varicose veins:

• exercise regularly
• avoid prolonged standing or sitting in one position
• do not cross the legs while seated
• avoid wearing girdles, control-top pantyhose, or garters; instead wear support hose
• avoid constipation
• lose excess weight and
• elevate your legs higher than your heart when possible

Treatment for varicose veins includes:

• support stockings or compression bandages to assist moving the blood to the heart
• injection of chemicals into the veins or surgery to remove larger veins causing pain or ulceration

For more information, speak with your health care provider. If your health care provider would like to refer you to a cardiologist, ask for a referral to a Saint Vincent Heart Center cardiac specialist. Information is also available by contacting your local chapter of the American Heart Association or call the national office at (800) 242-8721 or visit their website at www.americanheart.org.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional. HIL File CARD4291.RF2 VRS# 6101 Data Version 7.0
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