You’ve probably seen them —t hose twisted, bulging veins that often show up on legs or feet. Varicose veins are incredibly common, and while many people think of them as just a cosmetic issue, they can actually be a sign of deeper health problems.
Take a moment as Dr. Henock Saint-Jacques and our team of experts at Harlem Cardiology explain what causes varicose veins, when they might indicate an underlying health concern, and what we can do to help manage them.
Varicose veins happen when the one-way valves in your veins weaken or get damaged. Normally, these valves keep blood flowing back toward your heart. But when they don’t work properly, blood pools in your veins and causes them to stretch, twist, and bulge.
You’re more likely to experience varicose veins if:
Some people may have several risk factors. Regardless of whether you have one or two (or more!) risk factors, it’s important to do what you can to lower your modifiable risks.
Why? Knowing your risk can help you take steps to prevent varicose veins or manage them early.
While varicose veins can make you feel self-conscious, they’re more than just a cosmetic concern.
If left untreated, varicose veins can cause uncomfortable symptoms like swelling, heaviness, aching, burning, itching near the veins, and changes in skin color or texture. Over time, these symptoms can lead to more serious complications.
For example, persistent itching and skin damage can cause open sores or ulcers, especially near your ankles. These wounds are called venous ulcers, and they can be difficult to heal. If left untreated, ulcers can become infected and may even lead to gangrene or, in severe cases, amputation.
Varicose veins can also increase your risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis (DVT). If a clot forms in your leg and breaks loose, it can travel to your lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism — a potentially life-threatening emergency.
In many cases, varicose veins are a sign of chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where blood doesn’t flow properly back to your heart. That’s why it’s important to take them seriously — not just for how they look, but for your vascular health.
You don’t have to live with painful or unsightly veins — or the potential health risks associated with untreated varicose veins. At Harlem Cardiology, Dr. Saint-Jacques uses diagnostic tools and modern treatments that go beyond cosmetic fixes.
Depending on your symptoms and medical history, he may recommend:
Regardless of which treatment Dr. Saint-Jacque recommends, you can continue to protect your vascular health through wearing compression stockings and lifestyle changes like more exercise or elevating your legs.
If your varicose veins cause pain, swelling, skin changes, or sores, it’s time to get checked out. You deserve to feel comfortable, confident, and healthy.
Let Harlem Cardiology help you take the next step. Schedule your vein consultation today and find out what’s really going on beneath the surface.
You can also reach our East Harlem, New York, office at 646-381-2181.
