If you suspect you may have varicose veins, your first step should be to consult with a doctor. The most common risk factors include age over 50, smoking, high blood pressure, and being obese. People with diabetes and high cholesterol are also at higher risk than those without them. In addition, African Americans and Native Americans have higher rates of the condition than whites.
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Symptoms
Varicose veins are caused by the weakening of the valves or walls of the veins. These veins can become painful, bulging, and even discolored. People with these veins may experience swelling and aching in their legs. They may also develop brown patches or thin skin.
A physical examination and an ultrasound can determine whether you have varicose veins. If you suffer from these symptoms, you can consult your doctor about various treatments, including vein ligation and endoscopic procedures. Early treatment can prevent more severe complications from developing.
Modern Vascular in Albuquerque specializes in a range of cardiovascular diseases. The approach provides comprehensive evaluations and ultrasounds to ensure that treatment is appropriate. People at risk for vein disease include senior citizens over 50, those with a family history of cardiovascular disease, and those who are overweight or obese. People with diabetes or high cholesterol are also at risk.
Varicose veins are caused by weakened blood vessels. These veins can lead to impaired circulation, skin ulcers, and chronic leg pain. In some cases, they can even lead to more serious vein conditions, such as deep vein thrombosis. Fortunately, modern varicose vein treatment techniques can eliminate these symptoms for good.
Treatments
Varicose veins are common, but not all cases are hereditary. People are susceptible to varicose veins for many reasons, including obesity, hormonal causes, and lack of exercise. This condition is most common in women, though it can also affect men.
If you suspect you have varicose veins, see a doctor right away. They’ll conduct a full assessment and use ultrasound to see how well your veins are functioning. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may recommend a course of treatments, including surgery. Some procedures are done under local anesthesia, while others require no anesthesia. Once the procedure is complete, patients can return to normal activities.
Laser therapy is also available to treat varicose veins. Endovenous laser treatment, also known as EVLT, involves using a tiny laser beam to seal off a vein. Unlike traditional surgical stripping, this procedure is quick and minimally invasive. It is over 95% effective.
A genetic disposition for the condition is another factor, but it is not always the cause of varicose veins. Various factors, such as age, sedentary lifestyle, and lack of exercise, can lead to varicose veins. Modern varicose vein treatments can help eliminate the symptoms and relieve pain.
Genetics
Genetic studies of varicose veins suggest a relationship between gene mutations and varicose veins. Specifically, gene mutations in vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Chuvash polycythemia, von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor, FOXC2 transcription factor, and G6PC3 enzyme (encoding glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit) have been associated with varicose veins.
The genetics of varicose veins is not fully understood. Although a few reports of genetic links to varicose veins have been published, a large-scale study has not validated them. To test this hypothesis, this study used case-control data to study 134 families with 402 subjects.
The researchers studied three hundred and fifty-two patients with varicose veins and 857 controls to identify underlying genetic variants associated with the condition. Interestingly, they found 30 novel genetic variants that were associated with a predisposition to varicose veins. Furthermore, these variants were found near genes involved in vein formation and bone growth.
Interestingly, genetic and social factors play a role in the prevalence of varicose veins. Social and economic factors, such as race and class, can also influence the risk of varicose veins. For example, some populations have higher rates than others, including those of African origin. This may be due to a cultural difference rather than genetics.
No gene directly related to varicose veins exists, but scientists are not sure how this genetic component works. Some studies suggest that it may be connected to the veins’ strength. For instance, parents with weak veins have a higher risk of developing varicose veins than those with solid veins. Therefore, preventing varicose veins is a good idea.
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