Everyone knows about veins and arteries, so why exactly is it that veins are always emphasized over arteries? There seem to be more problems that crop up with veins, and more articles to be written.

It’s not that veins are more important. It’s that they generally have a harder job. Unlike arteries, veins have to work against gravity–which is why all sorts of vein disease pop up.

The Types of Veins in Your Body

To understand vein disease, you have to understand there isn’t just one type of vein. There are superficial veins, deep veins, and perforating veins. The superficial veins are the most shallow in the body, the deep veins the deepest, and the perforating veins connect the two.

The deep veins are the ones we’re worried about. When blood in the deep veins starts to backflow and pool up — deep venous thrombosis can occur. Meanwhile, superficial venous insufficiency occurs in the superficial veins, when those stop working properly.

Varicose Veins, Reticular Veins and Spider Veins

You’re more likely to have heard of these veins — sometimes cosmetic issues, sometimes medical. Essentially, varicose veins are deep veins where pressure has built up — and reticular and spider veins are the superficial vein equivalents.

The basic cause of vein disease is valves that aren’t working properly. Veins work against gravity, and therefore have to produce more force. When the valves aren’t working properly, it means that blood can backflow and pool up, increasing blood pressure.

Are these issues to worry about? Varicose veins moreso than spider and reticular veins. Essentially, the deeper the vein issue, the more worrisome it is for your circulatory system.

While spider veins are typically just a cosmetic issue, varicose veins can point to much deeper medical issues.

Want to know more? Please call the Vein Center of Maryland today to schedule a consultation.

We are conveniently located in Westminster, Eldersburg, Baltimore, Hunt Valley and Bel Air.

We also service Ellicott City and Columbia in Howard County.