What exactly causes varicose and spider veins to develop, and can venous reflux exams tell me if I am going to have them now or later in life?
Venous ultrasounds can only evaluate what is present. Based on the findings, clinical classification can be done, thus allowing the physician an opportunity to discuss the course of chronic venous insufficiency.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
Superficial venous reflux happens when the valves that maintain blood flowing out of the legs and back to the heart no longer work. This causes the blood to pool in the legs and cause varicose veins among other symptoms.
Venous insufficiency is hereditary and it is wise to visit a vein specialist to examine the venous circulation if there is any concern.
A lower extremity venous ultrasound will confirm if valves are working fine or if there is a pretense of venous insufficiency.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are many potential causes for spider veins and varicose veins which include: genetic predisposition, hormone influences and pregnancy, jobs or activities that required extensive standing, a history of blood clots and being overweight.
Venous reflux exams evaluate primarily the superficial or saphenous venous system to see if the valves are working properly. If there is mild reflux or downward leaking of the valves, it may not be significant enough to warrant treatment, but could worsen in the future. An increase in symptoms such as leg achiness, heaviness, fatigue or swelling may indicate progressive venous disease or reflux. Weight reduction may slow the progression. A reflux test cannot predict spider veins as many people have normal venous reflux studies, but already have spider veins.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
There are many factors that contribute to the development of spider and varicose veins including hereditary, pregnancies, age, weight, constricting garments,etc. The underlying problem is due to refluxing valves in the saphenous or accessory vein system. An abnormal reflux exam would put you at a higher risk to develop vein problems.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This is an excellent question! Patients with venous reflux are highly likely to develop varicose veins in the future. Chronic venous insufficiency is a progressive disease process. The changes in the wall of the vein can lead to failure of the valves of the vein. Over time the veins in the lower leg are exposed to increased pressure due to the valves not working and varicose and spider veins result. The biggest factor determining whether venous reflux and then varicose veins will occur is heredity.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
This is an excellent question! Patients with venous reflux are highly likely to develop varicose veins in the future. Chronic venous insufficiency is a progressive disease process. I was an investigator in one of the first research studies trying to identify what causes varicose veins. We were examining the collagen and elastin fiber content of normal veins as compared with varicose veins. We also evaluated the normal appearing portions of veins with varicose areas elsewhere. The biochemical changes in the wall of the vein precede the development of varicose veins. The changes in the wall of the vein can lead to failure of the valves of the vein. Over time the veins in the lower leg are exposed to increased pressure due to the valves not working. The idea of preventing the development of varicose veins due to the increased pressure on the wall of the vein by closing the abnormal vein is scientifically sound.
Published on Jul 11, 2012
The greatest known cause of varicose and spider veins is heredity. Other risks include increased number of pregnancies, advancing age and living in a westernized civilization. If you do not have any symptoms in your legs, it wouldn't be helpful to get an ultrasound at this time.
Published on Jul 11, 2012