Varicose veins is a disease of the subcutaneous veins, characterized by their expansion and elongation, the elasticity of the veins is lost, and the blood circulation process is disturbed. Swollen varicose veins usually appear on the legs.
Varicose veins are considered a cosmetic problem, but if left untreated, they can cause complications. The main ones are trophic ulcers and thrombophlebitis, which develop in 70% of patients with varicose veins.
Symptoms of varicose veins
Signs that are already at the initial stage:
- legs get tired quickly;
- burning and heaviness in the legs;
- small swellings appear;
- there is pain in the veins;
- calves have cramps.
Another characteristic symptom of varicose veins is the localization of pain in the calves, which appears in the evening and disappears in the morning. The pain is not sharp, the sensations are moderate, pulling.
In the first stages, dilated veins are not visible, but varicose veins are already developing. Sometimes it takes decades. Gradually, the symptoms become more and more disturbing, signs of venous insufficiency appear:
- swelling of the legs - in patients (mostly women who suffer from varicose veins), chronic vascular disease is usually accompanied by an increase in the volume of the lower leg. At the same time, edema, as well as pain and heaviness are observed in the afternoon and decrease after sleep. Edema of the leg is not characteristic of the mentioned pathology, it is a symptom of lymphedema;
- skin itching;
- knots, bends visible to the naked eye;
- darkening, thickening of the skin, the appearance of a blue color.
With the development of venous disease, symptoms intensify. There is a deterioration in the appearance of the skin of the legs, eczema and trophic ulcers appear.
Causes of varicose veins
The cause of varicose veins is the lack of venous valves in the legs, due to which the blood flow worsens. The venous network in the legs consists of superficial and deep veins that connect with veins. Superficial veins carry blood away from the skin and subcutaneous structures, while deep veins carry blood away from internal organs. The veins connecting them play the role of a compensator that equalizes the pressure in the superficial and deep veins.
Proper blood flow goes from the superficial veins to the deep ones. This direction can be provided by the movement of the surrounding muscles and the work of the vasomotor center, because the movement from the bottom to the top is against the forces of gravity.
If for some reason the exit becomes difficult, the wall of the vessels becomes inflamed, thinned, dilated veins and cyanotic nodes characteristic of varicose veins appear.
The disease develops in response to the complex of adverse conditions shown below:
- heredity - the weakness of the walls of blood vessels can be passed from generation to generation and can cause the loss of vascular tone;
- tiring work, standing - the high risk group includes people who have to sit or stand for a long time due to the nature of their activities;
- frequent pregnancy and childbirth - during this period, the total volume of blood and compression of the vessels increases, which provokes varicose veins;
- obesity - increased venous pressure in overweight people increases the chances of varicose veins;
- failure in the hormonal system - self-administration of hormone-based contraceptives and other drugs causes changes in the venous wall. In women, such a reaction can be observed during pregnancy;
- nutrition - the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the menu leads to a lack of fiber, as a result - weakening of the venous wall.
What do varicose veins look like?
Since varicose veins are a modification of the veins, the disease is also called a cosmetic problem:
- first, patients see the appearance of whites and a venous pattern on their legs;
- then the veins are curved, lifting the skin;
- in the most advanced stages, varicose nodes are clearly visible, representing the expansion and entanglement of blood vessels.
What is the danger of the disease?
What happens if the disease is not treated? This will inevitably lead to complications. The most dangerous is thrombophlebitis and "separation" of the blood clot. 5% of all patients experience similar complications. With age, trophic ulcers often appear, which are difficult to treat. The risk of complications from varicose veins increases with time.
Thrombophlebitis . With it, blood clots form in the veins of the legs, which can rupture and block the vessels, which causes a myocardial infarction.Venous thrombosis. Blockage of a vein with a blood clot. This is expressed by pain in the legs, which is aggravated by physical exertion.Pulmonary embolism . Obstruction of its lumen by a detached thrombus. Death may occur within the first half hour. If the clot is small, then a pulmonary infarction may occur.Trophic ulcers. Darkening and thinning of the skin with the subsequent appearance of ulcers. It occurs as a result of tissue malnutrition. Poor response to treatment.
Risk factors
Heredity . If both parents have varicose veins, the child has a 90% chance of getting this disease, and one has a 60% chance.Pregnancy. In this period, vascular disease is provoked by 3 factors:- hormonal change - the production of a large amount of progesterone relaxes the muscles, makes the vessels more sensitive;
- the pressure of the uterus, which has increased in size - due to this, the blood flow from the legs worsens;
- an increase in blood volume by 20-30% - the venous valves of the legs cannot withstand the load, especially if they are weak at the beginning;
Improper nutrition. Uncontrolled consumption of processed foods from industrial products, sugar and salt, fast foods, fried and fatty foods, trans fats, preservatives and artificial additives also leaves its mark.Hormonal background. The action of hormones can weaken the vessels, which causes vasodilation and prevents the valves from closing normally.Tight clothing . Tightening belts, tight jeans and underwear interfere with the harmonious flow of blood, obstructing blood circulation.High heels . When walking, the veins work to the limit. This is due to the uneven distribution of the load - the main share falls on the front leg. Pain in the veins, swelling of the legs are the first signs of varicose veins.
Diagnosis of varicose veins
In the early diagnosis of varicose veins, ultrasound technologies are used - angioscanning and dopplerography.
Ultrasound angioscanning (USAS) is an informative method of non-invasive examination of peripheral vessels. It allows obtaining a two-dimensional image of the artery, visualizing the intravascular structures, evaluating the direction and nature of the fluid flow.
In severe cases, when no response is obtained with USAS, computed tomography (CT) is used.
Doppler ultrasound (Doppler ultrasound) is the easiest method to evaluate the peripheral vessel. It evaluates the state of the artery with indirect indicators: blood flow response to functional tests, etc.
X-ray contrast phlebography is used to diagnose arteriovenous angiodysplasia, acute thrombosis and their consequences, as well as varicose veins of small pelvic vessels.
Treatment of varicose veins
Surgical methods
Complete treatment of varicose veins is possible only after surgical treatment. This is done in three ways:
- phlebectomy - removal of an enlarged varicose vein;
- sclerosis is the introduction of a special substance into the varicose vein that "glues" the walls of blood vessels together, normalizing blood flow. Vascular swelling disappears, even a cosmetic defect disappears;
- laser coagulation - the walls of the vessel are exposed to heat, as a result of which the venous lumen is "closed". Manipulation is performed only when the vein expands no more than 10 mm.
Medical treatment of varicose veins
The leading role in the treatment is played by venotonics in the form of tablets. They improve blood circulation and heal veins.
Also prescribe venotonic drugs - phlebotonics. They are accepted by the thinning of the walls of blood vessels, increased permeability, reduced elasticity and fluid stagnation. Preparations strengthen venous walls, increase their elasticity, reduce swelling and other negative symptoms. An additional quality of phlebotonics is the establishment of microcirculation in the affected area.
Antiplatelet agents are used to thin the blood in the veins. Medicines needed to reduce the formation of blood clots. It is indicated for patients with increased blood viscosity. You can take antiplatelet agents only if there is no bleeding tendency.
Anticoagulants are sometimes used individually to stop thrombus formation. They eliminate blood clots, reduce viscosity. However, the decision is made by the attending physician after evaluating the potential health benefits and potential risks.
Compression therapy
It is a reliable auxiliary compression garment in the treatment of varicose veins. The principle of operation of the products is as follows:
- when wearing compression stockings, the pressure on the superficial and deep veins increases;
- the greatest pressure is at the bottom, where the vessels are narrowed the most and the blood flow is the fastest;
- due to the narrowing of the veins, the work of the valves improves;
- pain, swelling, and fatigue disappear in the legs.
Comprehensive approach
There are many treatment options, but most likely the emphasis will be on improving the whole body as a whole. In a broad sense, varicose veins are not only a problem of the veins, but also a symptom indicating malfunctions in the body. Therefore, we recommend healing the body and doing it consistently and intelligently.
- drink plenty of water - dehydration is one of the causes of blood clotting, especially in hot periods;
- help the liver in detoxification - add artichokes, flax, grapefruit, oranges, apples, cruciferous vegetables, rosemary, dandelion, olives to the diet (make sure there are no allergic reactions and individual intolerance to the product);
- remove from the diet all anti-inflammatory foods that thicken the blood and have a negative effect on the walls of blood vessels (alcohol, coffee, sugar, pastries, dairy products, smoked, canned foods, fast food, refined foods);
- relieves constipation - they compress venous blood flow in the pelvis. Start drinking symbionts or microbiotics. The bacteria in its composition create a balance of microflora and thus lead to the normalization of feces. They improve the condition of the small and large intestines, as well as the stomach mucosa;
- do an analysis for homocysteine - no more than 10. If it's higher, you need to make sure you're not deficient in vitamin B12, folic acid, or iron. At the same time, restore the microflora, otherwise their absorption may be disturbed;
- restore protein levels. For verification, a biochemical blood test is given: the optimal protein concentration in adults should be 72-86 g / l, in children - 45-80 g / l;
- working with insulin resistance - often the problem goes along with this disorder. You can recognize from the symptoms: constant hunger and frequent desire to eat, multiple papillomas, red dots that look like moles, swelling, thirst and high blood pressure;
- introducing exercises - Pilates, yoga, light cardio;
- improve lymph flow - drink water with herbs, cranberries, spices, lemon, ginger;
- take a contrast shower - under the influence of cold, small vessels begin to narrow, and under the influence of heat, on the contrary, they expand. This leads to the strengthening of the vascular walls and an increase in their tone.
- restore hormonal levels - excessive activity of hormone production dilates blood vessels and prevents the valves from closing normally. To support the process of restoring hormonal balance, broccoli and symbionts are compatible. The active substance in its composition - sulforaphane, removes excess estrogen from the body. This is due to the presence of anticancer agents such as potassium, zinc, selenium, beta-carotene, amino acids, vitamins A, C and E in broccoli.