Lower extremity venous diseases affect about 25% of adults. At Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists in San Antonio, Texas, the experienced vascular surgery team diagnoses and helps you effectively manage an array of venous diseases to avoid severe complications and maximize your quality of life. Schedule an evaluation by phone or request one online at the first sign of unusual symptoms.
Venous diseases affect the veins, which are blood vessels that return blood from the limbs and other areas of your body back to your heart. Damaged veins negatively affect your circulatory system, allowing blood to pool and flow backward. This creates pressure buildup in the veins, causing further damage that can lead to swelling, poor blood flow, and potential blood clots.
Examples of venous diseases include:
Because of a venous disease, you may develop venous ulcers, which require expert treatment.
While about 33% of adults in the United States have varicose veins, others experience a more serious, even life-threatening, venous disease. More than 30 million people in the United States suffer from a venous disease.
Venous diseases can cause the following symptoms:
Report any new or unusual symptoms of a vein disease immediately to your specialist to reduce the risk of complications.
Risk factors for venous diseases include:
Adopting healthy habits, such as exercising regularly, maintaining an ideal weight, and not smoking, may reduce the risk of venous diseases and their complications — such as pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, and life-threatening blood clots.
Diagnosing venous disease at Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists involves a discussion about your symptoms and medical history, a vital signs check, and a physical exam. Your provider may complete an ankle-brachial index (ABI), ultrasound, CT scan, MRI, angiogram, or other diagnostic procedures.
Treating a venous disease may consist of one or more of the following:
It’s helpful to eat nutritious foods, exercise regularly, and adopt other healthy habits to optimize vein health. If you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or Type 2 diabetes, it’s critical to properly manage these conditions. It is also helpful to move your body around every hour.
Schedule an evaluation at Texas Cardiac and Vascular Specialists by phone or request one online today to be evaluated or treated for venous disease.