Blood vessels that carry blood towards the heart are called veins. Except for the pulmonary and umbilical veins, most veins carry ‘impure’ or deoxygenated blood to the heart. Most of the veins have valves which prevent backflow of blood (regurgitation).
Phlebology is study of veins and their diseases. A specialist in phlebology is known as phlebologist.
Types:
Superficial veins are close to the surface of skin and deep veins lie deeper within the muscles. These two types are connected through perforator veins with blood flowing unidirectional from superficial veins to deep veins.
Function:
Veins return oxygen-poor (deoxygenated) blood from organs to the heart. Capillaries, the smallest of the blood vessels embedded within tissues of organs, join together to form post-capillary venules. The post-capillary venules join together to form larger venules which in turn converge to form larger veins. These veins finally join the largest veins in the human body - the superior vena cava and inferior vena cava, which carry the blood to the right upper chamber (atrium) of the heart from the upper half and lower half of the body respectively. Most of the veins of the heart (cardiac veins) drain into the coronary sinus which empties into the right atrium. The valveless, smallest cardiac veins known as thebesian veins drain the heart muscle and empty directly into the heart chambers.
The deoxygenated blood is pumped from the right atrium à right ventricle à pulmonary artery à lungs. The pulmonary veins carry oxygen-rich (oxygenated) blood from the lungs to the left atrium of the heart.
Diseases affecting the veins:
a. In venous insufficiency there is inability of veins to pump enough blood back to the heartdue to weakened walls and damaged valves. It is usually exhibited as spider veins (dilated veins) or varicose veins (enlarged and twisted veins). It is treated with compression, vein stripping, thermal ablation, phlebectomy, sclerotherapy, etc.
b. Blood clot formed in a deep vein can cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT). The clot can detach (embolization) and travel to the lungs leading to pulmonary embolism, a potentially life-threatening condition. It is treated with anticoagulant drugs.
c. Thrombophlebitis is inflammation of the veins due to blood clots. Treatment options are medications, surgical removal, stripping or vein bypass.
d. Postphlebitic syndrome is venous insufficiency caused due to DVT, abnormal connection between artery and vein, obesity, etc. Compression stockings, medication, ligation, vein stripping, surgery, etc. are the treatment options.
Standing for long hours can increase the risk of varicose veins causing leg pain, swelling, cramps, itching and visible blue veins if untreated over time.
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Frequent running and heavy lifting can increase vein pressure. Know why athletes develop varicose veins, early symptoms to watch for, and when to seek help.
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Poor blood circulation occurs when there is a drop in blood, oxygen, and nutrient delivery to the arteries often leading to bigger health issues. Watch out for these unusual signs in your body to stay alert.
Even though the condition is rare in pregnancy, it is one of the leading causes of pain and discomfort in the second or third trimester.
Some yoga asanas can help alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, like that of swelling, throbbing and muscle cramping in the lower legs.
There are many misconceptions about them, one of them being that varicose veins only affect older adults. They can develop at any age due to factors like genetics, pregnancy, obesity.
While there are medical procedures available to treat them, these natural methods can be effective in reducing the appearance of spider veins or preventing them from worsening.
Staying active is the key to staying healthy. Our work forces us to sit in one place for very long hours and this is causing an uptick in diseases these days.
Home remedies for varicose veins are available, and dietary and lifestyle modifications may help with the signs and symptoms.
Winter can be a huge disappointment for those who suffer from varicose veins. Here's how to deal with this problem during the chilly months.
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If you have any of these risk factors, see a doctor as soon as possible. Also, mentioned below are some simple tips to prevent formation of blood clots.
Women are much more likely to get varicose veins than in men. Varicose veins often appear during menopause. Know why here.
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According to reports, Scott Hall had developed a blood clot following a hip replacement surgery earlier this month.
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Diagnosis of blood clots is not always straightforward as the symptoms can mimic the normal symptoms of pregnancy.
Varicose veins can be really painful and may be the cause for social embarrassment too. Know how to deal with them naturally.
A study by Stanford University says that increased height adds to the risk for varicose veins. While there isn't much known about the exact causes of varicose veins, there are certain risk factors you must be aware of.
The primary diagnosis of the baby revealed that the vessels carrying the pure blood from the lungs were going to the wrong chamber of the heart, known as Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC).
Varicose veins can be bothersome, go au naturel to deal with it.
Standing for long hours can increase the risk of varicose veins causing leg pain, swelling, cramps, itching and visible blue veins if untreated over time.
Know the early warning signs of piles, hernia, diabetic foot and varicose veins. Timely care can prevent serious complications and improve long-term health outcomes.
Here are the early warning signs, causes, and risk factors of chronic venous insufficiency, along with effective treatments to prevent swelling, skin damage, and painful leg ulcers.
Frequent running and heavy lifting can increase vein pressure. Know why athletes develop varicose veins, early symptoms to watch for, and when to seek help.
Poor blood circulation occurs when there is a drop in blood, oxygen, and nutrient delivery to the arteries often leading to bigger health issues. Watch out for these unusual signs in your body to stay alert.
Some yoga asanas can help alleviate the symptoms of varicose veins, like that of swelling, throbbing and muscle cramping in the lower legs.
While there are medical procedures available to treat them, these natural methods can be effective in reducing the appearance of spider veins or preventing them from worsening.
Home remedies for varicose veins are available, and dietary and lifestyle modifications may help with the signs and symptoms.
All about spider veins and their management by Physiotherapist Suryalakshmi Paleri.
If you have any of these risk factors, see a doctor as soon as possible. Also, mentioned below are some simple tips to prevent formation of blood clots.
Women are much more likely to get varicose veins than in men. Varicose veins often appear during menopause. Know why here.
Most cases of Varicose veins are painless, but it can sometimes cause complications that require immediate medical care.
According to reports, Scott Hall had developed a blood clot following a hip replacement surgery earlier this month.
Covid-19 cases are again on the rise and the medical community is expecting a third wave anytime. Here's how you can avoid Covid infection and its complications including blood clotting in the next wave.
Diagnosis of blood clots is not always straightforward as the symptoms can mimic the normal symptoms of pregnancy.
A study by Stanford University says that increased height adds to the risk for varicose veins. While there isn't much known about the exact causes of varicose veins, there are certain risk factors you must be aware of.
The primary diagnosis of the baby revealed that the vessels carrying the pure blood from the lungs were going to the wrong chamber of the heart, known as Total Anomalous Pulmonary Venous Connection (TAPVC).
Varicose veins can be bothersome, go au naturel to deal with it.
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A special Turkish glue will be used to treat varicose veins.
Know 5 effective home remedies for varicose veins that help reduce swelling, improve blood circulation, and ease discomfort naturally. Simple tips for healthier legs.
Even though the condition is rare in pregnancy, it is one of the leading causes of pain and discomfort in the second or third trimester.
There are many misconceptions about them, one of them being that varicose veins only affect older adults. They can develop at any age due to factors like genetics, pregnancy, obesity.
Winter can be a huge disappointment for those who suffer from varicose veins. Here's how to deal with this problem during the chilly months.
Varicose veins can be really painful and may be the cause for social embarrassment too. Know how to deal with them naturally.
Did you know varicose veins is more common in women than men? Click to know more about the condition!
