Leg veins play a key role in our cardiovascular system and overall health. When they are compromised, individuals may experience cosmetic, medical, and even life-threatening conditions.

Therefore, patients should be familiar with how veins contribute to blood circulation and the signs and symptoms that suggest a problem in their functioning.

Here are three leg vein problems that you should know about.

1. Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

A pulmonary embolism is the most serious venous condition and should be considered an emergent situation. It can occur when a blood clot breaks free from a deep vein and travels to the lungs.

Patients experiencing a pulmonary embolism can have trouble breathing, complain of sharp pains in the chest, or cough up blood or pink, foamy mucus. They may also feel anxious, sweat heavily, feel faint or light-headed, and have a racing heart rate.

Evidence of these symptoms requires immediate medical attention and 911 should be called right away.

2. Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT)

Deep Venous Thrombosis–or DVT–is a serious condition that affects more people that a heart attack or stroke. It occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep leg vein, and if it dislodged, can cause easily make its way towards the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism.

Signs of a DVT include pain, swelling, and/or discoloration of a leg and should be treated right away to avoid life-threatening complications.

3. Varicose and Spider Veins

Faulty or diseased valves within veins can allow blood to flow backwards and pool in the legs and lower extremities. As a result, vessels enlarge to the point that they bulge or look like tree-branches and spiderwebs.

This type of venous insufficiency can cause aesthetic concerns and make patients uncomfortable about the appearance of their legs. However, leg heaviness, discomfort, sores, and redness can all point to an underlying medical condition that should be evaluated by a physician.

For additional information on leg vein problems, call the Vein Center of Maryland to schedule an appointment. We are conveniently located in Westminster, Eldersburg, Baltimore, Hunt Valley and Bel Air.

We also service Ellicott City and Columbia in Howard County.