Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear on the legs. As they’re part of the circulatory system, one may ask the question: What happens to the other veins in the body if these veins are affected?
Varicose veins have a few key distinctions from other veins in your body, their location being one of them. This makes them more likely to become varicose, as there is more pressure placed on them, especially when sitting or standing upright for prolonged periods of time.
If you want to learn more about the link between the two, read on as our experts at Goldman Vein Institute, Alexander Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI, and Saluja Varghese-Goldman, MD, RVT, RPVI, explain what varicose veins could say about your heart health.
Fortunately, varicose veins on the legs are very rarely linked to a serious heart condition. Due to their location, varicose veins are more likely to be impacted by pressure on the legs, excess weight, hormone changes (especially in women), and weakening of the vein walls.
However, some risk factors, such as inflammation or increased blood pressure, which are sometimes found in patients with varicose veins, can contribute to heart issues later on, but not the varicose veins themselves.
Varicose veins happen due to failure in the vein valves. This allows blood to flow backward and pool in the veins instead of being transported efficiently to the heart. Varicose veins often occur in the legs because they work against gravity and are farthest away from the heart, functioning under different pressure conditions compared to other veins in the body. This means you are unlikely to experience the same issue in veins located elsewhere in the body.
Reduced functionality in a few leg veins also does not have a major impact on the heart. The heart is a highly adaptable muscle, and overall blood pressure is not significantly affected by a small number of malfunctioning peripheral veins.
Varicose veins are, more often than not, not an urgent medical issue. However, treating them can improve overall health, as some of the risk factors for varicose veins overlap with those for cardiovascular conditions.
Eliminating discomfort or simply learning to love your legs again after addressing the cosmetic concern should not be overlooked, as this can significantly improve quality of life.
If you have varicose veins and want to ensure your vascular health, contact us online or by phone to schedule an appointment at our offices in Jupiter or Wellington, Florida. Our experts will examine blood flow in your legs, assess your risk factors, and provide minimally invasive treatments to address varicose veins.
