Varicose veins affect about 35 percent of people and the risk of development increases with age. Often misunderstood as a cosmetic issue, vein disease is a medical condition that can progress and lead to serious complications if left untreated.
These swollen, visually prominent veins can affect one’s quality of life. For some patients, varicose veins are the precursor to deep vein thrombosis, when a blood clot forms in one or more deep veins in the body. Understand the relationship between clots and varicose veins.
How Varicose Veins Develop
Varicose veins develop when the valves pushing blood toward the heart become weakened. When blood flows less efficiently, it may pool in the legs, accumulate and cause lower extremity discomfort. As this blood pools, it can also lead to superficial venous thrombophlebitis.
Phlebitis causes pain and tenderness around the affected veins, as well as a more prominent appearance. The condition further increases your risk of experiencing a blood clot. Ignoring these signs can also lead to the development of ulcers or other sores.
To diagnose varicose veins, you will undergo a physical exam and have your medical history reviewed. An ultrasound may be done to examine blood flow through the affected vessels.
How Blood Clots Form
Untreated varicose veins elevate your risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT) – blood clots that form far below the skin’s surface. Although your blood naturally clots to stop bleeding, a DVT blood clot does not dissolve easily, can travel to other parts of the body and restrict how oxygen-rich blood passes through the vessel. Long term, this can contribute to tissue damage and increase risk for pulmonary embolism.
For those with phlebitis developing a blood clot, you may also experience:
- Leg pain, to the point you can’t move your leg
- A heavy sensation
- Itching around the veins
- A burning or warm sensation around the affected veins
- Excessive sweating
- Lightheadedness
Research from the Journal of the American Medical Association shows that individuals with varicose veins are five times more likely to develop DVT than those without the condition. These clots typically affect deeper, larger blood vessels and have a higher risk of becoming dislodged and traveling to other parts of the body.
Blood clots are potentially fatal, so medical attention is recommended as soon as you experience the symptoms of pulmonary embolism:
- Chest pain
- Coughing
- Increasing heartbeat
- Sweating
- Breathing difficulties
Related Risks
When you have varicose veins, blood clots do not occur by chance. You’re more likely to develop this condition if you:
- Recently underwent surgery
- Lead a sedentary lifestyle
- Already have ulcers or leg sores from varicose veins
- Live with another blood-clotting abnormality or take medication that affects how blood clots
- Use birth control, are undergoing hormone replacement therapy, are pregnant or have entered menopause
- Are obese
- Smoke tobacco
- Are currently being treated for cancer
Concerned about the complications related to varicose veins? Schedule a consultation with the Vein Centers of Connecticut to explore your treatment options.