CONSEQUENCES

Vein disease is not an uncommon disorder, as it affects 25 to 40 million Americans annually. More than half the patients with vein disease are women. In the initial stages most individuals complain about the unsightliness of varicose and spider veins. However, vascular doctors in Jackson Heights explain that there are far worse consequences of vein disease over and above patients’ cosmetic concerns. Other common complaints of vein disease are feeling of “fatigued” legs, aches and pain in the legs, swelling of the ankles and legs. Chronic skin problems caused by vein disease include discoloration, rashes, scarring of tissues and development of ulcers.

Untreated varicose and spider veins enlarge and can cause a condition known as chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). CVI comes with its own set of problems such as advanced leg ulcers (also known as venous stasis ulcers) and recurring episodes of phlebitis. Impaired circulation and a lowered immune level resulting from vein disease can result in patients developing conditions such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. CVI can also increase an individual’s risk of developing reflux, a condition which damages the mucus membrane of the esophagus. Phlebitis is an inflammation of the veins that can in turn result in blood clots which in turn cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

DVT further impairs the proper flow of blood. Worse still, the clots can break away and travel to the lungs or the brain where they can lead to a pulmonary embolism or stroke. These conditions combined are the cause of the deaths of 300,000 Americans every year.

It is therefore vital to detect and manage vein disease in its early stages. Visit a vein clinic in Jackson Heights to help you manage your condition and prevent the severe consequences of vein disease.