When your valves allow blood flow to move backward instead of going forward, you can develop varicose veins. As a result of the abnormal blood circulation, your veins become dilated with more blood. Additionally, the veins become more visible on your skin surface with a deep red color. Dr. Ariel Soffer in Aventura, has expertise in managing such vascular diseases.
Compression Stockings
Frequently, your cardiologist will advise you on wearing compression stockings. The compression stockings work by exerting pressure on your legs to promote blood circulation between your legs and the heart. Additionally, the socks help to create a smaller surface through which your legs can fit. As a result, they decrease swelling, which is a common feature with varicose veins.
Surgical Treatment
In some instances, your cardiologist will recommend surgery to eliminate the veins. In the procedure, your cardiologist removes the more prominent visible varicose veins, termed stab avulsions, to give room for the proper functioning veins. However, the surgical procedure is typically the last resort if your varicose veins do not respond to laser treatment, then sclerotherapy.
Sclerotherapy Treatment
Your cardiologist can opt for this technique too. It works by inserting a chemical to your varicose vein to reduce the inner lining, prompting its closure.
Endovascular Treatment
Endovascular treatment refers to the application of laser treatment to an injury in the saphenous vein. Your cardiologist performs acupuncture on the lower part of your leg through which it gives room for the transmittance of the energy.
Is Weight a Factor?
Absolutely! Excess weight can exert too much pressure on your veins. As a result, your varicose veins may tend to become more severe and pronounced. Therefore, getting rid of excess weight helps alleviate too much pressure on your veins.
Additionally, high salt intake can intensify the swelling with increased water retention to your blood vessels. Diet also plays an essential role in managing the condition. A healthier diet will help you balance your weight effectively, thus, better control of your health.
Exercises are Crucial
Sitting or standing for long periods in a fixed position is a drawback in managing your varicose veins. The result of occupying one place for too long is blood overfilling and accumulation in the veins. As a result, you tend to experience more swelling.
Therefore, you need to engage in physical activities to keep your blood circulating efficiently. Additionally, if you have a routine where you stand or sit for too long, you need to incorporate small breaks in between, for proper blood flow. Furthermore, you can also elevate your legs at a position above your heart daily to ease the flow.
Anytime you feel pain on the varicose vein area, inform your cardiologist who will assess you for the best treatment.
However, you must note that there isn’t any single method that gives you 100% protection against new developments of varicose veins. Nevertheless, integrate the different techniques and follow your cardiologist advice religiously to manage the condition.
Dr. Soffer heads a prestigious venous training program for cardiologists and surgeons and continues to lecture internationally on a variety of circulatory issues. His published book about mitral valve prolapse syndrome is currently available on Amazon. Dr. Soffer’s work on enhanced external counterpulsation (EECP) as an alternative to bypass or angioplasty surgery is approved by both the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Medicare.
Dr. Soffer graduated with distinction with a medical degree from the University of Miami and completed his residency at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in the prestigious program at the University of California at Los Angeles. He went on to complete a fellowship in cardiology and is one of only a few cardiologists in Florida to be licensed in nuclear cardiology.
