Introduction
Varicose veins may also be called varicosities or varicose. Varicose veins are twisted, engorged veins. Any vein can become varicose; however the veins on the feet and legs are the most affected. This condition is very common, particularly in women. Approximately 25% of all adults have varicose veins (Erickson Gabbey, 2017). These veins are often twisting and appear in dark purple or blue color.
Varicose veins occur when damaged valves in the veins direct blood to pool or flow direction. This causes the veins to become engorged, dilated and filled with blood. In the United States alone, one in every four adults is affected by varicose veins (Nordqvist, 2017). These veins rarely require any treatment, but if they cause inflammation, and painful legs or if there is substantial discomfort, then there is a treatment that is available.
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Normal Anatomy of the Veins
A vein is a blood vessel which conducts blood from body organs to the heart. Veins have a generally thin- wall with irregular and large lumen. Veins are low-pressure vessels, and as such, they are equipped with valves which encourage the unidirectional flow of blood. The presence of valves prevents the backward flow of blood. Veins consist of three main layers, namely the tunica adventitia, the tunica media and tunica intima (“Structure and Function of Blood Vessels,” 2017).
Normal Physiology of the Veins
Veins are responsible for conducting deoxygenated blood to the heart. Veins are dependent on muscle contraction to help push blood since the blood in veins is at low pressure. Veins are equipped with values which stop blood from flowing backward. Flow in veins is complex because it depends on the effects of gravity as well as the collapsible nature of the venous wall (“Veins & Valves,” 2018).
Mechanism of Pathophysiology
Varicose veins occur when the valves found in veins do not function correctly. The main function of veins is to ensure that blood flow is unidirectional, i.e., preventing the backward flow of blood. Weakened or damaged valves in the vein may permit blood to pool in veins rather than conducting blood to the heart (Nordqvist, 2017). Varicose veins mostly affect the legs and feet because walking or standing upright upsurges the pressure in the veins of the lower limbs. Damage to the anatomy of the veins (weakened valves) affects the physiology of the veins (pooling of blood) which causes varicose veins.
Prevention
To prevent varicose veins, people must embrace a healthier lifestyle. People should exercise regularly, eat healthily and avoid putting on too much weight (losing excess pounds takes unnecessary pressure off the veins), avoid wearing high heels, avoiding long periods of standing or sitting and elevating your legs.
Treatment
Practitioners are quite conservative in treating varicose veins. They usually advise the patient to make changes in their lifestyle rather than trying to take a more aggressive approach. If lifestyle changes do not help and the veins are painful or are affecting the patient’s overall health, then doctors can perform surgery. According to vein ligation and stripping is a surgical treatment where doctors make an incision, cut the varicose vein and remove it (Erickson Gabbey, 2017). Another treatment is sclerotherapy where a liquid chemical is introduced to close varicose veins.
Clinical Relevance
Varicose veins result from pooling of blood in veins because of defective valves. The study of varicose veins has helped develop different ways to prevent it and treat it. Varicose can be prevented through lifestyle change and regular exercise. Medical procedures to treat the condition can be performed in unique circumstances when the patient suffers from inflammation, aching, and painful legs.
Conclusion
Varicose veins are a very common condition with one out of four adults having it. It is caused by pooling of blood in veins in the feet or legs. Varicose vein is a treatable condition. It does not require medical treatment to expect in unique cases when it causes inflammation, aching, and painful legs. For many people, it can be addressed with lifestyle changes.
References
Erickson Gabbey, A. (2017). Varicose Veins: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/health/varicose-veins#treatment-and-prevention
Nordqvist, C. (2017). Varicose veins: Causes, treatment, diagnosis, and prevention. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/240129.php
Structure and Function of Blood Vessels. (2017). Anatomy and Physiology. Retrieved from https://opentextbc.ca/anatomyandphysiology/chapter/20-1-structure-and-function-of-blood-vessels/
Veins & Valves. (2018). Jobst. Retrieved from https://www.jobst.com/mainnavigation/leg-health/veins-valves.html
