Varicose veins, more than just an aesthetic problem

varicose veins are a clear sign of weakened veins. If bulges form, the consequences can be serious and can even lead to pulmonary embolism.

Most of the time varicose veins unpleasant because they are visible through the skin of the legs as spider veins or heavily swollen veins. Varicose veins are dangerous because they are a sign of weakened veins that can no longer adequately provide the unhindered flow of blood from the legs to the heart. The reason for this is usually weakened muscles that no longer support the veins. These then become slack, the important venous valves no longer close properly and the blood no longer flows optimally back to the heart. Bulges form in which the blood collects, where in the worst case it coagulates. This is announced by sudden swelling of the leg and pain. In the worst case scenario, a The result is a leg vein thrombosis. If the clotted blood then gets back into the bloodstream, it can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Where do varicose veins come from?

The cause can be a family predisposition, age, increased weight, pregnancy or hormonal fluctuations. But too little exercise also promotes the loss of elasticity of the veins. At the beginning, the Varicose vein as silvery-blue veins just under the surface of the skin, the so-called spider veins. If these get worse, in the long term, knotty, blue masses appear under the surface of the skin. But even those who do not have visible varicose veins but belong to the risk group should be careful. Because some varicose veins are invisibly located deep under the upper layer of skin.  Leg vein thrombosiswhich, if the clot breaks off, can lead to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

Minimize the consequences of varicose veins

Even if you have varicose veins due to a family history, illness or just because, you can reduce the effects of varicose veins by adopting a healthy lifestyle. Regular exercise, low-salt and high-fiber diets Nutrition, flat shoes, a healthy ideal weight, not smoking, not sitting for long periods of time and putting your feet up from time to time are the best measures to prevent varicose veins or to avoid putting strain on existing mild varicose veins. Thrombosis stockings also protect against extreme strain on the veins during long flights or car journeys, for example. This is recommended for anyone who has a predisposition to developing varicose veins. You should also avoid extreme heat, such as saunas or long sunbathing sessions. To be on the safe side, you can use a color Doppler sonography, which you Doctor the condition of your veins will be checked.

Varicose veins must be treated

However, not all varicose veins are preventable or harmless. In this case, there are various therapies to treat varicose veins. Varicose veins can be sclerotherapy or removed using minimally invasive methods. This has no effect on the bloodstream, as the function of the missing vein is automatically taken over by the other veins. Sclerotherapy, laser therapy, radiofrequency therapy, vein stripping, outpatient vein removal or endoscopic varicose vein surgery, which therapy is best for you? your doctor will explainIt should not be forgotten that the problem of varicose veins can always reappear somewhere else, even if one is removed. Therefore, all preventive measures must be followed even after surgery.