Veins: Bringing it Back Home
Veins, which transport blood back to the heart, are an important part of the circulatory system. Problems affecting the venous system include:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot occurring in any deep vein
- Superficial venous thrombosis, or phlebitis: A blood clot that develops in a vein close to the surface of the skin. Phlebitis can cause significant pain.
- Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): Occurs when the walls of the veins and/or the valves in the leg veins don't work effectively, making it difficult for blood to return from the legs to the heart. Symptoms include leg swelling, pressure and discoloration of the skin. Leg ulcers, called venous stasis ulcers, may occur.
Varicose veins and spider veins are abnormal, dilated blood vessels caused by a weakening in the vessel wall.
Many people first seek the advice of a specialist regarding their varicose veins out of a concern about appearance. However, in addition to be unsightly, varicose veins can cause discomfort - sometimes extreme. Only a qualified specialist can fully diagnose the causes and