From this article you will learn that varicose veins are hereditary, and there are also reasons why pathology can develop in ordinary people.
What are varicose veins
Varicose veins of the lower extremities are a chronic deformation of the veins, most often of a hereditary nature, with persistent dilation of the lumen of blood vessels, a decrease in vascular tone, destruction of the valve apparatus, impaired regional blood supply, pain syndrome and constant pastosity of tissues.
Where do dilated veins come from?
Normally, blood, which supplies organs and tissues with oxygen and removes carbon dioxide waste from them, moves from the periphery to the heart overcoming gravity.This requires assistants, which are the muscles of the legs, capable of acting as a kind of pump, contracting during the movement, which moves the blood higher and higher.An equally important role is played by the valves of the veins, which block the backflow of fluid, tightly blocking the lumen of the vessels.Blood only flows through the vessels in one direction.
If the functioning of the valves is disrupted for any reason, a progressive deformation of the veins is formed: blood overflows from the vessels, causing them to stretch and deform.As the pathology progresses, trophic ulcers and blood clots may form in the damaged veins.
Varicose veins of the legs in women and men are quite common, occurring in 50% of all vascular patients over 18 years old.At the same time, the number of patients suffering from varicose veins is increasing every year.The reason for this is the sedentary nature of professional activity.
The main cause of varicose veins in men and women is a genetically inherited weakness of the connective tissue that forms the framework of the veins.Its failure leads to a loss of vascular tone, stretching of the walls and deformation.If parents had enlarged veins under the skin, children and grandchildren are at risk of developing varicose veins.The disease is inherited through the female line - a gene is associated with the X sex chromosome that weakens the vein wall.
Of great importance are hormonal changes in the body typical of women: menstruation, menopause, taking contraceptives, pregnancy, breastfeeding.Men are also susceptible to hormonal imbalances, but much less frequently and after age 40.Jumps in female hormones: estrogen and progesterone - relax the vein wall, leading to its deformation.
Another cause of varicose veins is prolonged standing or sitting in a static position.In this case, the valves of the veins open and a persistent increase in intravascular pressure occurs.In addition, the longer the legs, the higher the column of blood in the vessels, which is a risk factor for the development of varicose veins.
Excess weight also does not contribute to vascular health.Excess weight increases pressure in the leg veins, and fatty deposits, especially in the abdominal area, interfere with the normal flow of blood.
Physical inactivity stimulates the formation of varicose veins of the lower limbs.In addition, the risk group for varicose veins includes smokers, pregnant women and patients suffering from heart and vascular pathologies.Surgeons, teachers, cashiers, salespeople, drivers, programmers, flight attendants and shippers suffer from occupational varicose veins.
Separately, it is worth mentioning the effect of alcohol on the veins.Of course, any alcohol, including red wine, dilates the vascular lumen.In other words, this is another predisposing factor for varicose veins.With regular consumption of alcoholic beverages, varicose veins are inevitable, it's just a matter of time.Additionally, if there is a hereditary predisposition to venous insufficiency.There is no difference between the sexes in this area.
Main signs of the disease
The first symptoms of varicose veins appear in the early stages of the disease: the legs begin to get tired quickly, they begin to swell, the veins become painful, the legs cramp at night, a feeling of heat and heaviness appears in the legs.
Sometimes this picture persists for decades until visual signs of venous insufficiency appear: pasty ankles and legs in the evening, itchy skin, tortuous veins protruding from the skin, bluish in color, dense.Over time, trophic ulcers appear, resistant to treatment.
Why are varicose veins dangerous?
In addition to disrupting trophism, varicose veins threaten the development of thrombophlebitis - when blood clots in the veins can break away from the walls, block the lumen of the arteries, obstruct the pulmonary vessels and cause AMI with a fatal outcome.
Venous thrombosis - blockage of the lumen of a vein by a thrombus causes severe pain, does not allow free circulation and can cause tissue necrosis.
Pulmonary embolism (PE) – blockage of the pulmonary artery by a loose blood clot results in death within half an hour.A small blood clot can cause a pulmonary infarction requiring resuscitation.The disease is accompanied by pneumonia and CHF.
Is it possible to cure varicose veins?
Answer: yes, but only surgically.There are three modern methods of relieving the problem: phlebectomy - complete removal of the deformed vein, sclerotherapy - injection of a special sclerosant into the affected vessel, which sticks the walls of the vein, excluding the vessel from blood circulation and emptying it without cosmetic defect on the skin, laser coagulation - destruction of the vein by heat and lumen sealing (practical when the diameter of the vein does not exceed 10 mm).
Prevention
- regular leg exercises during prolonged sitting;
- a balanced diet based on tomatoes, carrots, olives, apples, blueberries;
- prevention of constipation;
- good rest, especially for women who need three times more time to recover;
- correct drinking regime: 40 ml of water per 1 kg of weight.
Swimming is useful when you spend little time in the sun, thus minimizing stressful situations.