In some cases, varicose veins can be an early warning sign of underlying heart or circulatory issues that shouldn’t be ignored.
That’s why our team at Premier Cardiology Consultants in NYC includes varicose vein diagnosis and treatment in the services we offer fellow New Yorkers.
Whether you’re worried about how they look or what they mean about your heart health, here’s why we recommend a varicose vein checkup.
Varicose veins develop when the valves in your veins — most often those in your legs — stop working efficiently.
Usually, these valves help push blood back up toward your heart. But when they weaken, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to swell and twist.
Leg veins are more vulnerable to the damage associated with varicose veins since they must work against gravity to push blood back to the heart. These bulging, malfunctioning veins affect millions of adults, particularly women, older adults, and individuals who spend long hours sitting or standing.
While varicose veins are often a cosmetic issue, there are times when they may point to other health concerns.
Here are symptoms to watch for and why you should take them seriously:
If your legs ache, feel heavy, or throb, especially at the end of the day, it might be more than tired muscles. These symptoms could indicate chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), where blood flow from the legs to the heart is impaired.
Varicose veins are a common symptom of this progressive and potentially serious circulatory issue.
Swollen ankles or calves, skin that becomes discolored or leathery, or the development of venous ulcers (slow-healing wounds) can all be signs of advanced venous disease. These are not just cosmetic issues; they indicate deeper circulation problems.
Varicose veins increase the risk of a blood clot in a surface vein (superficial thrombophlebitis). More concerning, they also increase your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). DVTs can travel to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which is life-threatening.
While varicose veins themselves don’t directly cause heart disease, they can coexist with cardiovascular conditions like heart failure or peripheral vascular disease.
Swelling in your legs, for example, can be due to poor heart function. If you have varicose veins and also experience shortness of breath, fatigue, or rapid weight gain, a cardiovascular evaluation is essential.
Some of the same factors that contribute to heart disease also play a role in varicose veins, including:
Because of these shared risk factors, varicose veins may serve as a visible clue to a bigger problem, one that includes your heart.
If you have varicose veins and are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, don’t brush them off.
At Premier Cardiology Consultants, we take a whole-body approach to vascular health. Our team can assess whether your veins are purely cosmetic or part of a more complex circulatory issue.
Treatment options range from simple lifestyle changes to minimally invasive procedures that improve both your appearance and your vascular function.
Have questions about your veins or heart health? We’re here to help. Schedule a visit at Premier Cardiology Consultants today.
