Varicose Veins Westminster

Because veins play a critical role in circulation and blood flow, some individuals ask: Could varicose veins mean a heart attack is close behind?

Many people, upon learning that varicose veins can be more than an aesthetic concern, often question how vein disease can affect their health and wellbeing.

Continue reading to learn all about varicose veins in Westminster, MD, and if they pose any threat to the arterial system or heart.

What Are Varicose Veins in Westminster, MD?

Varicose veins are enlarged, rope-like vessels in the legs or lower extremities. They are often blue or purple in color and the result of weak vein walls or damaged valves.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

When vein support becomes compromised, it makes it difficult for leg veins to return blood back up to the heart. As a result, blood can flow backwards, pool in lower extremities, and cause pressure to build within the vein.

Could Varicose Veins Mean a Heart Attack is Close Behind?

If you suffer from dilated leg veins, you may be wondering: Could varicose veins mean a heart attack is close behind? In order to answer this question, it’s important to distinguish between arteries and veins.

Arteries are responsible for transporting oxygenated blood from the heart to the rest of the body. Veins are then tasked with returning blood back to the heart.

With that being said, issues within the arterial system are associated with peripheral artery disease and heart disease (including a heart attack). On the other hand, damaged veins contribute to problems in the venous system.

Accordingly, it would be extremely rare for varicose veins Westminster to negatively impact the heart or arterial system.

What Issues Are Associated with Varicose Veins?

While varicose veins are unlikely to be a precursor to a heart attack, they can make individuals more prone to swelling, aching, throbbing, heaviness, leg cramps, and restless legs syndrome. These symptoms are typically made worse by prolonged periods of standing.

In more severe cases, varicose veins can produce skin discoloration, skin thickening, and ulcerations.

For these reasons, it is important to take care of your veins and ensure that they are healthy and functioning properly.

Learn More About Heart Attack, Varicose Veins and Treatment Options

To learn more about varicose veins Westminster and treatment options, please contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive consultation with one of our highly skilled and experienced vein specialists.