Varicose Vein Prevention

Here is another great article that explains varicose vein prevention:

The heart is the primary organ that pumps blood to all parts of the body; but this is not possible without the presence of blood vessels that transport blood to all parts of the body and back to the heart. Arteries carry blood from the heart to all parts of the body, while veins carry the 'used' blood back to the heart for re-oxygenation. These vessels, like the heart, work non-stop throughout the day and throughout life and any problem that impedes the optimum functioning of these vessels definitely leads to a disease condition. Such is the case of varicose veins.

Varicose veins are a common occurrence in the western world, anyone who doesn't suffer the condition, must have, at least seen someone who does. Though varicose veins do not always constitute a problem that requires urgent medical attention, they can be quite unsightly and depressing. Varicose veins often present as twisted and enlarged veins close to the skin, discoloring the part of the skin where they occur and sometimes causing pain and discomfort.

Several factors have been indicted in the cause of varicose veins, such as obesity, hormonal abnormalities, pregnancy, long periods of standing or sitting, genetic or previous venous problems such as thrombophlebitis. However, to prevent varicose veins effectively it is important to understand the underlying reason for the condition.

The first problem is that veins are always superficial and have less effective valves compared to the arteries; this is reasonable since they transport blood back to the heart with far less pressure compared to the arteries. However, this means that veins are more prone to valvular incompetence (i.e. failure of the valves to prevent back flow of blood). Secondly, the veins of the lower extremities have to transport blood back to the heart against the force of gravity. Transporting blood against the force of gravity exerts a greater amount of stress on the veins of the legs than any other part of the body and this is why varicose veins commonly occur in the lower extremities.

Once this fact is understood, it is much easier to understand how to prevent varicose veins. Standing for a long period tends to weaken the veins of the legs while sitting for a long period or sitting with the legs crossed tends to hamper blood flow in the legs. Thus, it is important to avoid standing or sitting for a long period. If you have to sit at work, stand up every hour or so and walk around. And if your work requires you to stand for a long time, try shifting your weight from one leg to the other periodically. It is also good to rest with your legs up, once in a while; it helps take the stress of your legs.

Obesity is regarded as one of the causes of varicose veins because it places much strain on the legs, maintaining average body weight reduces your chances of getting varicose veins. Also, table salt has been shown to increase water retention in the body. This increases the volume of blood the vessels have to transport and also body weight. Reducing salt intake could reduce your chances of suffering varicose veins. Walking is the best form of exercise for the legs; it helps keep the muscles toned and improves blood circulation, thus strengthening the veins against swelling and twisting. Varicose veins are not such a serious medical condition, except when it becomes complicated. If you already have the condition or you are predisposed to it, following these simple measures could greatly relieve the condition and prevent it from getting worse.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Varicose Veins

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Varicose Vein Prevention

Here is another great article that explains varicose vein prevention:

The heart is the primary organ that pumps blood to all parts of the body; but this is not possible without the presence of blood vessels that transport blood to all parts of the body and back to the heart. Arteries carry blood from the heart to all parts of the body, while veins carry the 'used' blood back to the heart for re-oxygenation. These vessels, like the heart, work non-stop throughout the day and throughout life and any problem that impedes the optimum functioning of these vessels definitely leads to a disease condition. Such is the case of varicose veins.

Varicose veins are a common occurrence in the western world, anyone who doesn't suffer the condition, must have, at least seen someone who does. Though varicose veins do not always constitute a problem that requires urgent medical attention, they can be quite unsightly and depressing. Varicose veins often present as twisted and enlarged veins close to the skin, discoloring the part of the skin where they occur and sometimes causing pain and discomfort.

Several factors have been indicted in the cause of varicose veins, such as obesity, hormonal abnormalities, pregnancy, long periods of standing or sitting, genetic or previous venous problems such as thrombophlebitis. However, to prevent varicose veins effectively it is important to understand the underlying reason for the condition.

The first problem is that veins are always superficial and have less effective valves compared to the arteries; this is reasonable since they transport blood back to the heart with far less pressure compared to the arteries. However, this means that veins are more prone to valvular incompetence (i.e. failure of the valves to prevent back flow of blood). Secondly, the veins of the lower extremities have to transport blood back to the heart against the force of gravity. Transporting blood against the force of gravity exerts a greater amount of stress on the veins of the legs than any other part of the body and this is why varicose veins commonly occur in the lower extremities.

Once this fact is understood, it is much easier to understand how to prevent varicose veins. Standing for a long period tends to weaken the veins of the legs while sitting for a long period or sitting with the legs crossed tends to hamper blood flow in the legs. Thus, it is important to avoid standing or sitting for a long period. If you have to sit at work, stand up every hour or so and walk around. And if your work requires you to stand for a long time, try shifting your weight from one leg to the other periodically. It is also good to rest with your legs up, once in a while; it helps take the stress of your legs.

Obesity is regarded as one of the causes of varicose veins because it places much strain on the legs, maintaining average body weight reduces your chances of getting varicose veins. Also, table salt has been shown to increase water retention in the body. This increases the volume of blood the vessels have to transport and also body weight. Reducing salt intake could reduce your chances of suffering varicose veins. Walking is the best form of exercise for the legs; it helps keep the muscles toned and improves blood circulation, thus strengthening the veins against swelling and twisting. Varicose veins are not such a serious medical condition, except when it becomes complicated. If you already have the condition or you are predisposed to it, following these simple measures could greatly relieve the condition and prevent it from getting worse.

Michael Russell

Your Independent guide to Varicose Veins

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Russell

Varicose Vein Facts

* Ninety percent of the "used" blood traveling from your legs back to your chest is carried by the deep veins located within the muscles. Vein abnormalities here aren't visible, but can be painful or even result in dangerous blood clots.

* The other 10 percent of the blood returning to your heart travels through veins closer to the surface; varicose veins here can be visibly swollen, knotted, twisted or bulging.

* According to the American College of Phlebology, about 80 million Americans have varicose veins or a related disorder, spider veins.

* As women age, they are more likely to develop varicose veins: 41 percent of women aged 40 to 50 years old have varicose veins, increasing to 72 percent of women aged 60 to 70 (and 43 percent of men who are 70). Also as women age, varicose veins become more visibly pronounced.

* Spider veins, also referred to as telangiectasia or broken capillaries, are formed by the dilation of a small group of blood vessels located close to the surface of the skin and are most commonly found on the legs and face. They look like red or purple sunbursts, branched or web patterns.

* Women are up to four times more likely than men to develop varicose veins; up to 50 percent of American women may be affected, according to the American College of Phlebology.

* Pregnant women often develop varicose veins for a number of reasons: In addition to hormonal changes, pregnancy causes both an increased volume of blood and increased pressure from the abdomen, which in turn cause veins to enlarge. The good news is varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within three months after delivery. However, with successive pregnancies, these abnormal veins are more likely to remain.

* Varicose veins aren't just a cosmetic concern. They can also pose a health risk and are associated with the development of skin ulcers; phlebitis, which is an inflammation of the vein; or blood clots.

* Though it may require several sessions and the veins may fade only gradually, sclerotherapy, a procedure performed in a health care professional's office, can result in up to a 90 percent improvement in the appearance of varicose or spider veins.

* While there are several treatment options for small varicose veins and spider veins, large varicose veins may require radiofrequency or laser-induced closure and/or surgery.

American College of Phlebology. http://www.phlebology.org/. Accessed Aug. 2003.

Dartmouth Atlas of Vascular Health Care. http://www.dartmouthatlas.org/atlaslinks/vascatlas.php. 2000. Accessed Aug. 2003.

"Spider and varicose veins." American Society for Dermatologic Surgery. http://www.asds-net.org/FactSheets/spider_vericose_veins.html. 2002. Accessed Aug. 2003.

Varicose Veins and Spider Veins. The National Women's Health Information Center. Published 2000. http://www.4woman.gov/faq/varicose.htm. Accessed Aug. 2003.

Editorial Staff of the National Women's Health Resource Center 2002/04/15 2005/03/17 Your body has two types of blood vessels: arteries carry oxygen- and nutrient-rich red blood from your heart to your muscles and organs, while veins are tasked with returning the "used" bluish blood back to your heart. The deep veins located beneath the muscles carry 90 percent of the blood traveling from your legs back to your chest. The other 10 percent flows through veins located closer to the surface, often visible, and less well supported. Arteries,Capillaries,Phlebitis,Thrombosis,Varicose veins,Varicosity,Veins,Vessels

Information resources:
National Women's Health Resource Center
Gale Group

Varicose Vein Information Website