1. Why do I have vein problems?
The most common factor is a family history of vein disease. If one parent has vein problems then you have a 33% chance yourself, both parents, a 90% chance. This is the strongest risk factor. Unfortunately, you don’t choose your parents.
2. There must be other risk factors. What are some I can avoid?
Vein disease is most common in women and the risk factors of pregnancy and hormones do play a role. Vein disease typically gets worse with each pregnancy. The hormones of pregnancy relax the muscles in the veins, this leads to increased stretching and dilation of the veins. After delivery, some veins will get smaller. Whatever changes occur after pregnancy, they are complete 3-4 months after delivery. After that time whatever vein disease you have will most likely remain.
3. After pregnancy and hormones what are other rise factors?
Obesity will increase pressure in the leg veins and cause them to swell. Some phlebologists feel hormone replacement therapy enhances vein problems. In addition, professions that require long periods of standing have a higher incidence.
4. Are there myths regarding vein disease?
Of course. Crossing your legs does not increase vein problems. Taking an aspirin (although good for many other things) does not prevent blood clots. Wearing knee high socks that cause a mark on the calf does not cause problems. Exercise such as running or leg weight lifting do not increase vein disease.
5. So what can I do to slow the progression of vein disease if I already have it?
Minimize the risk factors mentioned above. Some phlebologists believe that using compression hose helps to slow down the progression. This may or may not be true but compression will decrease the risk of complications such as blood clots and skin ulcers if they are used.
6. Speaking of blood clots, how do I decrease my risk when traveling?
As above, the use of knee high compression stockings helps. In addition one should flex their ankles get up and walk and stay hydrated during long plane or car trips.
7. How do I know if I have a blood clot?
Most times you don’t. A high index of suspicion along with a risk factor such as a long plane trip should lead you to seek help. If your leg seems heavy, tired or swollen after sitting in a car or plane for a long time or if you have been in a hospital bed or you have had a leg cast you should be suspicious. Many times your calf may be tender.
8. What is done to diagnosis a blood clot?
Ultrasound (doppler) is used by vascular technologist to “see” the blood clots in your veins. This test only involves sound waves (no radiation) and is very accurate.
Diagnosis
1. Are invasive tests needed to diagnosis my vein problems?
No. Almost all (98%) vein problems can be diagnosed with ultrasound (doppler) studies. This test uses sound waves to image (see) the veins of your leg. All the veins can be imaged; skin veins and the deeper veins within your muscles. The test is about 99% accurate when performed by an experienced vascular technologist or phlebologist. (vein doctor)
2. What other tests may be needed?
If the phlebologist is concerned that the veins in the pelvis or abdomen are abnormal then a CT scan or MRI may be necessary. In a small percentage of patients a venogram is done through a needle stick in the thigh and dye is injected into your veins while pictures are taken.
3. What if my doctor tells me, “Don’t worry about your veins if they don’t really bother you?”
But I’m still concerned?Many times your doctor will be correct. By getting an ultrasound study the vein specialist can tell you exactly how your veins are working and give you an idea about the chance of your vein disease progressing. The exam takes about 20 minutes and is completely non-invasive.
The most common factor is a family history of vein disease. If one parent has vein problems then you have a 33% chance yourself, both parents, a 90% chance. This is the strongest risk factor. Unfortunately, you don’t choose your parents.
2. There must be other risk factors. What are some I can avoid?
Vein disease is most common in women and the risk factors of pregnancy and hormones do play a role. Vein disease typically gets worse with each pregnancy. The hormones of pregnancy relax the muscles in the veins, this leads to increased stretching and dilation of the veins. After delivery, some veins will get smaller. Whatever changes occur after pregnancy, they are complete 3-4 months after delivery. After that time whatever vein disease you have will most likely remain.
3. After pregnancy and hormones what are other rise factors?
Obesity will increase pressure in the leg veins and cause them to swell. Some phlebologists feel hormone replacement therapy enhances vein problems. In addition, professions that require long periods of standing have a higher incidence.
4. Are there myths regarding vein disease?
Of course. Crossing your legs does not increase vein problems. Taking an aspirin (although good for many other things) does not prevent blood clots. Wearing knee high socks that cause a mark on the calf does not cause problems. Exercise such as running or leg weight lifting do not increase vein disease.
5. So what can I do to slow the progression of vein disease if I already have it?
Minimize the risk factors mentioned above. Some phlebologists believe that using compression hose helps to slow down the progression. This may or may not be true but compression will decrease the risk of complications such as blood clots and skin ulcers if they are used.
6. Speaking of blood clots, how do I decrease my risk when traveling?
As above, the use of knee high compression stockings helps. In addition one should flex their ankles get up and walk and stay hydrated during long plane or car trips.
7. How do I know if I have a blood clot?
Most times you don’t. A high index of suspicion along with a risk factor such as a long plane trip should lead you to seek help. If your leg seems heavy, tired or swollen after sitting in a car or plane for a long time or if you have been in a hospital bed or you have had a leg cast you should be suspicious. Many times your calf may be tender.
8. What is done to diagnosis a blood clot?
Ultrasound (doppler) is used by vascular technologist to “see” the blood clots in your veins. This test only involves sound waves (no radiation) and is very accurate.
Diagnosis
1. Are invasive tests needed to diagnosis my vein problems?
No. Almost all (98%) vein problems can be diagnosed with ultrasound (doppler) studies. This test uses sound waves to image (see) the veins of your leg. All the veins can be imaged; skin veins and the deeper veins within your muscles. The test is about 99% accurate when performed by an experienced vascular technologist or phlebologist. (vein doctor)
2. What other tests may be needed?
If the phlebologist is concerned that the veins in the pelvis or abdomen are abnormal then a CT scan or MRI may be necessary. In a small percentage of patients a venogram is done through a needle stick in the thigh and dye is injected into your veins while pictures are taken.
3. What if my doctor tells me, “Don’t worry about your veins if they don’t really bother you?”
But I’m still concerned?Many times your doctor will be correct. By getting an ultrasound study the vein specialist can tell you exactly how your veins are working and give you an idea about the chance of your vein disease progressing. The exam takes about 20 minutes and is completely non-invasive.
