I have severe venous reflux in the right greater saphenous vein and a past history of heart attacks. I recently quit smoking and am being treated for high blood pressure. My cardiologist wants me to use compression socks. Is this a good or bad idea?
A compression stocking is a conservative method of vein treatment. There are other techniques such as avoiding prolonged standing, leg elevation, certain exercise, weight loss, etc. Even though venous reflux that is already present will not be eliminated with conservative management, symptoms and the appearance of new varicose veins can be slowed down. It can also avoid complications for venous stasis, preventing blood clots, and pulmonary embolism.
All the best.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Your doctor is correct. Wear the compression hose.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression stockings would be a good Idea and won't affect your heart problems.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Actually, it is a great idea to wear compression stockings in your situation.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It's not a bad idea to wear compression stockings for venous reflex, however, it's only temporally relief and doesn't cure venous disease.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Why not get the saphenous vein fixed and eliminate the reflux issue?
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Absolutely! Compression is indicated because you have Greater Saphenous incompetence. The appropriate hose would be a thigh length with 30-40 mmHg strength, if you can manage it. This will prevent the blood sitting in that vein, causing swelling and other symptoms and increased chance of superficial blood clots. With the OK of your cardiologist, we would perform endovenous laser ablation to seal that vein.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
It sounds like you may be an excellent candidate for support hose. Make sure they are well fitted.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression hose rarely are contraindicated. A very small number of patients who have severe arterial blood flow problems or severe neuropathy with poor sensation in the feet may need to avoid compression hose, but most of these patients can still wear lighter compression hose with open toes without problems. Proper fitting and proper wearing of the hose is important to prevent problems with the hose. Generally, the hose should be removed for at least a few hours daily, such as during sleep hours. With few exceptions, use of elastic compression stockings is a good idea for anyone with varicose veins or venous insufficiency.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is no harm to your condition with wearing compression stockings. Only in congestive heart failure patients, and only unstable ones at that, is there a theoretical concern. Having said that, compression stockings are only a band aid approach to severe reflux. If you have major symptoms, it's likely you will need some type of ablation procedure, but no down side to trying stockings first!
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There is no contraindication to use compression stockings in your case. At the same time, you should see a vein specialist. If the great saphenous vein has severe reflux and is chronic, you might benefit from thermal ablation. Some patients with your history might be afraid of ablation in case you need heart surgery and the vein is needed for bypass. If the vein is very dilated and insufficient, it will not be a good vein to put in your heart anyways, therefore, there is no concern in having it ablated. Being a Cardiologist and a Phlebologist allows me to give this type of advice when I examine the veins with ultrasound.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression hose do nothing toward correcting your venous reflux. Your problem can likely be corrected in an office procedure with only local anesthesia. The hose only reduce swelling at the end of the day.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression hose are not contraindicated unless you have arterial disease in your legs, which you did not mention. Your cardiologist's recommendation is appropriate.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression stockings are fine but it may be worth while seeing a vein specialist. Treatment of the refluxing R GSV is done with local anesthetic and may be beneficial and safe, even given your cardiac history.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are no obvious contraindications. Your doctor needs to make sure there are no leg artery blockages.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The use of compression stockings are not contraindicated with a history of myocardial infarction or hypertension. Their use is required by most insurance companies prior to treatment of venous insufficiency. Therefore, from the information you have supplied, it appears that their use would be a good idea for you.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression is a mainstay of conservative management for venous reflux. You should discuss your specific situation with your cardiologist, who should be aware of your heart's condition, including ejection fraction and any history of heart failure.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression stockings are a good idea. You should also try walking as much as possible.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Compression stocking use given your medical condition, is not contraindicated unless you have severe peripheral artery disease in the legs. In that situation, I would not recommend the stockings. In essentially every other situation you would be fine. Compression stockings may actually help you minimize any swelling you might have in your legs from any heart issues that you have.
Published on Jul 11, 2012