Varicose veins they are veins tortuous and dilated that are no longer able to adequately perform their function of carrying the blood back to heart. Generally, the most compromised veins are in the lower limbs, which can cause pain and swelling in the legs. The highest incidence of varicose veins is observed in females. Family history, obesity, smoking, sedentary lifestyle and use of birth control pills are risk factors for the development of the problem.
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Understanding a little more about veins
O Cardiovascular system consists of the heart and fur blood vessels. The arteries start from the heart and branch out, ensuring that blood reaches all parts of our body. The veins, in turn, guarantee the return of blood to our heart.
Blood travels through the arteries driven by the pumping of the heart, thus being under high pressure. To return to the organ through the veins, it faces greater resistance, since it is under low pressure and often needs to run against the force of the
gravity. To ensure its proper return, the veins have valves that prevent backflow, causing blood to flow in only one direction.Read too: Difference between vein, artery and capillary
How do varicose veins form?
As mentioned, veins have valves that prevent blood backflow, allowing circulation to occur in only one direction. In some situations, however, we observe the valve malfunction, which cannot prevent reflux. At that moment, there is an accumulation of blood and dilation of the veins, which will lead to the appearance of varicose veins.
Varicose veins have some risk factors, the main one being the cases of the disease in the family. In addition, they develop more frequently in women and in people over 30 years of age. Other risk factors are: obesity, sedentary lifestyle, smoking, use of contraceptive pills, hormone replacement, and gestation.
It is important to highlight that some professionals have a higher risk of developing varicose veins, which is the case of people who work for a long time sitting or standing. This includes professionals such as teachers, salespeople, attendants, hairdressers and secretaries.
It is noteworthy that, according to the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery, there is "no relationship established between the formation of varicose veins and waxing or wearing high heels, as well as there is no influence regarding carry weight".
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Patients who have varicose veins usually have symptoms such as:
- Appearance of bluish and very visible veins;
- Grouping of small reddish vessels;
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs;
- Feeling of burning legs;
- Cramps;
- Swelling in the legs, especially at the end of the day.
When they do not receive proper treatment, they can lead to complications such as dermatitis, inflammation of the veins, darkening of the skin, bleeding, and appearance of sores on the legs (ulcers).
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Diagnosis of varicose veins
The diagnosis of varicose veins can be done through the clinical observation of the patient and use of complementary tests, the main one being the venous echodoppler of the lower limbs. Doppler echo is a test capable of identifying venous insufficiency and observing the reflux regions.
Varicose treatment
The treatment of varicose veins will be chosen according to the veins that are affected, and a single treatment or a combination of treatments can be adopted. According to data available at Ministry of Health Virtual Health Library, the treatments indicated for varicose veins are:
- Chemical Sclerotherapy: sclerosing substances are injected into the vessels, which act by clogging the veins being treated and directing the blood to healthy veins. It is a technique used in small-caliber varicose veins.
- Surgery: consists of the removal of the compromised veins.
- Laser Sclerotherapy: technique adopted for the treatment of superficial vessels. This technique consists of the emission of a laser that causes the blood to be displaced to another vessel and the compromised vessel to be destroyed and reabsorbed by the body.
- Intravenous laser: It is performed in the treatment of saphenous veins and consists of introducing an optical fiber into the vein and firing a laser through it. This process will promote the closing of the compromised veins and their subsequent absorption by the body.
- Radio frequency: a catheter that emits heat is placed inside the saphenous vein, performing thermocoagulation of the vein segment and, consequently, causing its closure, which is followed by reabsorption.
The Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery emphasizes that, in patients who cannot undergo the aforementioned treatments or do not want to undergo them, varicose veins can be treated with use of medications, elevation of the lower limbs and compression stockings.
Compression stockings are important to ensure an improvement in blood circulation. It is noteworthy that these socks should only be used when indicated by a doctor, as only one professional is able to know which is the best sock in each case, since they have different compressions.
Prevention of varicose veins
Varicose veins can be prevented by adopting some lifestyle changes. Below, we'll describe some important tips to avoid the problem:
- Avoid standing or sitting for a long time;
- practice physical exercise;
- Control your weight;
- eat properly;
- Avoid using contraceptives;
- Do not smoke;
- Wear compression stockings, especially during pregnancy (note: stockings should only be worn as directed by your doctor).
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher