If you have or are developing varicose veins, or are just concerned about developing them in the future, you may be wondering what health risks they pose.
One of the biggest health risks associated with varicose veins are blood clots.
In this post, we’ll discuss varicose veins, blood clots, the question “do varicose veins cause blood clots,” and varicose vein treatment options.
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins are a condition in which the veins become enlarged and twisted. They can often be seen bulging beneath the skin, and are most common in the legs.
The reason for varicose veins developing is that the valves in the veins have weakened and aren’t able to funnel blood back towards the heart as efficiently. This results in blood pooling in the legs, which causes the veins to bulge.
While varicose veins themselves are not dangerous, but they can sometimes lead to other problems, such as blood clots.
What are blood clots?
Blood clots are a serious health concern, and can be life-threatening if not treated properly.
A blood clot is a mass of blood that has solidified. It can occur in any of the body’s veins, but is most dangerous when it forms in the lungs, heart, or brain, or travels to those locations.
Blood clots can be dangerous because they can block blood flow and cause health problems.
Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is a blood clot that forms in one of the deep veins in your body, typically in the legs. This type of blood clot is particularly dangerous as the clot can break off and go to your lungs, causing a blockage of blood flow to the lungs known as a pulmonary embolism. When DVT and pulmonary embolism occur together, it’s known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).
Varicose veins blood clots
So, can varicose veins cause blood clots? The answer is yes, they can.
Varicose veins can increase the risk of blood clots forming, especially if you are already at risk for them, as blood clots often will form where there is an injury, where blood pools, or in the legs of people who don’t move often enough. All of those conditions are likely happening if you have varicose veins.
Varicose vein treatments
Some treatments for varicose veins include:
- Sclerotherapy: This is a procedure in which a doctor injects a chemical into the veins that makes them collapse. This is the most common treatment for spider veins, and it’s usually successful
- Laser, radio, or steam ablation: These are all procedures that use heat to destroy the veins
- Ambulatory Phlebectomy: This is a procedure in which the doctor removes the veins with a tiny incision.
San Diego Vein Specialists
If you suffer from varicose veins or spider veins and are concerned about blood clots, it’s worth considering having a procedure done to cure the problem altogether by getting rid of the veins. If you are considering such a procedure, contact Kafri Wellness Clinic to schedule an evaluation and get more information.
At Kafri Wellness Clinic, we have over 25+ years of experience working with patients to address vein issues. We also take into consideration a cardiovascular approach towards your treatment to give you as much insight into your health as possible.
If you’d like to schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you, please contact us today!