Vein Disease Q & A
Venous disease describes a group of health conditions that affect your veins, or the blood vessels that return oxygen-poor blood to your heart. The blood vessels that carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to other parts of your body are called arteries.
Unlike arteries, veins contain specialized structures called valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction. Damage to the valves or walls of your veins can cause problems with blood flow. Additionally, veins can become blocked by clots that prevent blood from flowing normally.
The highly qualified medical team at North Atlanta Vascular Clinic diagnoses and treats the full spectrum of health problems that affect veins. Common venous diseases include:
Varicose and spider veins
Varicose and spider veins are swollen and discolored blood vessels that are visible through the skin. This condition occurs when the valves that normally prevent blood from flowing backward through the vein fail to function properly.
Deep vein thrombosis
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a blood clot develops in a vein that runs through the muscles of your arms or legs. These are called deep veins because they don’t run close to the surface of your skin.
Chronic venous insufficiency
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when the valves or walls of a vein don’t function effectively. This causes blood to pool and become stagnant in the veins, leading to pain, swelling, and discoloration.
First, your physician at *** Clinic thoroughly reviews your symptoms and medical history and performs a physical exam. They may also take an X-ray or venous ultrasound imaging test to accurately diagnose your venous disease.
Then, they recommend the best course of treatment for your particular condition. Depending on the type and severity of your venous disease, treatment may include:
- Lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity
- Taking medications such as clot-dissolving agents
- Laser treatment of sclerotherapy for spider veins or varicose veins
In severe cases, the team at **** Clinic may recommend surgery to correct your venous disease. If you show signs of venous disease, call **** Clinic or book an appointment online today.