Do you think you might have a DVT? Call our DVT & LEG HEALTH HOTLINE 833-687-6887
In the United States, nearly one in four (23%) adults has varicose veins, or the cord-like leg veins that swell, twist, and bulge against the skin. More than three in four (80%) adults have sprawling networks of smaller reticular veins and spider veins.
Because of how higher estrogen levels can compromise vein function, women are twice as likely as men to develop varicose leg veins. Men, however, aren’t impervious to vein damage; in fact, millions of men either have varicose veins or are at an increased risk of getting them.
This June, in recognition of Men’s Health Month as well as Father’s Day, our skilled team at Vascular Vein Centers is here to offer expert guidance on how active dads can be proactive about vascular wellness — and maintain healthy legs for life.
Arteries are the thick-walled blood vessels that transport oxygen-rich blood to your organs and tissues. Once it has delivered its vital cargo, your deoxygenated blood enters your veins and heads back to your heart and lungs for a fresh infusion of oxygen.
With thinner walls than their arterial counterparts, veins contain a series of internal valves designed to keep blood moving efficiently in the right direction. These valves are especially vital in your legs, where they work against gravity to keep blood flowing to your heart.
Without vein valve assistance, gravity would cause blood to pool in your lower extremities, leading to dangerously high pressure and swelling. In other words, healthy, fully functional vein valves support optimal circulation and healthy legs.
Unfortunately, having to routinely work against gravity places greater pressure on the valves in your leg veins. By stressing vein valves, gravity essentially sets the stage for vein damage — the first step toward varicose vein formation and reduced circulation.
But other factors accelerate the process and make vein damage more likely. Although women must contend with female-specific risk factors like gender and pregnancy, men are vulnerable to many fixed and controllable risk factors for vein damage, too. These include:
The more risk factors you have, the greater your chances of developing vein damage — usually in the form of emerging spider veins or varicose veins. These vein distortions occur when blood pools behind weak or damaged vein valves, exerting increased pressure on the surrounding vessel wall until it swells and contorts.
Varicose veins and spider veins are commonly regarded as a cosmetic concern, but they’re also an early sign of vein disease. If they progress and become more severe, they can make blood flow sluggish and lead to reduced lower extremity circulation.
Subtle warning signs of vein disease, which may accompany varicose veins or occur before any vein distortions have appeared, include:
Any time you experience symptoms like these in your legs, it’s important to see our team for a comprehensive vascular evaluation. We use advanced ultrasound imaging to visualize your veins, check for damage, look for blood clots, and assess lower extremity circulation.
Given that many adults develop visible signs of vein damage or more subtle symptoms of vein disease at some point, vascular wellness should be a priority before middle age. Why? Your veins work hard to keep your legs healthy, and you have the power to support — or undermine — their function.
In fact, good vascular health helps every part of your body, from your brain to your feet. Though you can’t escape your genetics or stop the aging process, there’s a lot you can do to support optimal vein health and circulation. You should:
These strategies can boost your circulation even if you already have varicose veins or other signs of vein disease. Combined with treatments like compression stocking use and vein removal (i.e., sclerotherapy), we can help you keep your legs healthy for life.
To learn more, call or click online to schedule a visit at your nearest Vascular Vein Centers office in College Park of Orlando, Waterford Lakes of East Orlando, Kissimmee, Lake Mary, Davenport/Haines City, or The Villages, Florida, today.
