Winter weather in New England can be brutally cold. As residents know, temperatures can transition from mild to blistering in the blink of an eye. Conditions like varicose veins, spider veins and other forms of venous insufficiency can act up when temperatures drop. If you notice a change in your vein health come winter, what can you do to reduce discomfort?
Holidays Lead to Weight Gain
During the holiday season, many Americans pack on a few extra pounds. While the slight weight gain may seem innocent, it is unwise to put more stress on your legs with a vein disease. Excess weight can make it more difficult for our vein valves to function efficiently.
Veins will have to work harder to pump blood back to your heart, which can result in breathing problems and even more serious medical issues. Although it’s cold outside, be sure to maintain an active lifestyle indoors at home or the gym. Low-impact exercise will help to improve cardiovascular health, which can also reduce heart attack risk.
Our Bodies Slow Down
Not only can lower temperatures affect your vein health, but a decrease in the barometric pressure – the pressure within Earth’s atmosphere – can exacerbate vein health issues. When snow starts to fall, our circulatory systems work less efficiently in colder weather, so our bodily functions are slowed. That’s why it’s so important to not be sedentary during the winter season – coupled with lower atmospheric pressure, this only worsens the issue.
How to Keep Veins in Check?
No matter the season, these general guidelines are good to follow to treat symptoms of varicose, spider or perforated veins:
- Frequent leg elevation – when you get home from work, unwind with your legs up.
- Eat a high-fiber diet – foods rich in fiber help get rid of unhealthy fats in the arteries.
- Stretch throughout the day – encourage movement in your vein valves to avoid restriction.
On a positive note, veins shrink in colder temperatures. This makes valves less constricted, which results in easier blood flow. Although you should experience less cramping and swelling in your lower extremities, keep the factors mentioned above in mind.
Today, there are many modern, virtually painless treatment options for venous diseases. To schedule a consultation, contact the Vein Centers of Connecticut.