Varicose Veins

“Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins. Any vein become varicose, but the veins most commonly affected are those in your legs and feet. That’s because standing and walking upright increases the pressure in the veins of your lower body” (Mayo Clinic, 2011). “Varicose veins are the result of damaged or improperly working valves in the veins, which cause blood to back up and make the vein swell” (Cardio Smart, 2012). “Varicose veins are enlarged veins that can be blue, red, or flesh colored. They often look like cords and appear twisted and bulging. They can be swollen and raised above the surface of the skin. They are often found on the thighs, back of the calves, or the inside of the leg. When a woman is pregnant, these veins can also form around the vagina and buttocks” (Women’s Health, 2010). “They can be classified as primary or secondary. Primary varicose veins originate in veins that are close to the skins surface. Secondary varicose veins originate in deep veins, causing enlargement of veins close to the skin’s surface” (MedHelp, 2008). Varicose veins are a very common condition. These veins can cause mild to moderate pain, skin ulcers, blood clots, or other issues (People Science Health, 2011). Many people think varicose veins are just a cosmetic concern (Mayo Clinic, 2011). “Overtime, the vein walls become weakened and stretched, causing the veins to bulge out and twist. Eventually the veins may become unable to pump enough blood back to the heart, causing blood to pool in the legs” (Healthy Women, 2012). “The heart pumps blood filled with oxygen and nutrients to the whole body through arteries. Veins then carry the blood from the body back to the heart. As your leg muscles squeeze, they push blood back to the heart from your lower body against the flow of gravity. Veins have valves that act as one-way flaps to prevent blood from flowing backwards as it moves up your legs. When the valves become weak, this causes the veins to become varicose”

References: Kirksey, Lee, M.D. "Varicose Vein Poll-How Many People are Affected." Beauty and Cosmetics- MedHelp (May 2008): n. pag. google. Web. 20 May 2012. <http://www.medhelp.org>. "Milford Vascular Institute." Milford Vascular People Science Health. "What are Varicose Veins." National Heart Lung and Blood Institue 1 Feb. 2011: n. pag. goggle. Web. 20 May 2012. <http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov>. Staff, Mayo Clinic Train, Henry D, M.D. "Vein Center of Central Pennsylvainia." Paveins. Vein Center of Central Pennsylvania, 2008. Web. 20 May 2012. <http://paveins.com>. "Varicose Veins." Cardio Smart: n Weiss, Robert, M.D. "Varicose Veins and Spider Veins." Medscape (July 2010): n. pag. goggle. Web. 21 May 2012. <http://www.medicine.medscape.com>.