Research on Venous Disease

The Society of Interventional Radiology has great research on venous disease. Here are some key research findings and information important to understanding venous disease.

Venous disease

What is venous disease?

Venous disease refers to a class of conditions in which the veins have problems sending blood from the legs back to the heart. There are two types of venous disease: Superficial and deep.

Superficial venous disease

Superficial veins are those close to the surface of the body. Superficial venous disease is a common clinical problem. Superficial venous diseases include venous reflux (where the tiny valves that normally force blood back up toward your heart no longer function, causing blood to pool up in the legs, and the veins of the legs to become distended), varicose veins, and superficial venous thrombosis, which is the combination of thrombosis and inflammation in a superficial vein.

Superficial venous reflux can be a significant contributor to wounds caused by chronic venous insufficiency. Superficial venous reflux has been associated with an increased risk of deep vein thrombosis.

Deep venous disease

Deep veins in your body are far from the surface and typically have an artery with the same name close by. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when blood clots form in the veins that move blood from various parts of the body back to the heart and lungs. Deep vein thrombosis can occur in any vein in your body, but it most commonly forms in the legs. A leg DVT can be in a small vein or can span the entire leg.

Treating superficial venous disease

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged veins that are clearly visible just under the surface of the skin. This is a common condition caused by problems with the valves within your veins that are designed to keep blood flowing toward your heart. If the valves are weak or damaged, blood can back up and pool in your veins (venous reflux), which causes them to swell. Many factors can raise your risk for developing varicose veins, including family history, older age, being female, pregnancy, obesity, prolonged standing or sitting, blood clots and prior trauma.

What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

For some people, varicose veins cause pain, blood clots or sores. This ailment usually occurs in the legs but also can appear in other parts of the body. Symptoms of varicose veins include:

• Swollen, visible veins

• Bumpy appearance of veins

• Skin irritation

• Legs feel heavy

For more on venous disease and treatment options go to: https://www.riaendovascular.com/services/vein-arterial-care/

(https://www.sirweb.org/patient-center/conditions-and-treatments/venous-disease/#varicose)