Aging, genetics, obesity and those occupations that demand a lot of standing or sitting, bring complications for the blood supply. This is how venous insufficiency causes discomfort to the circulatory system, due to the inability to return blood to the heart. In fact, women are the most prone to suffer from this disorder, due to pregnancies and hormonal changes, which occur throughout their lives.
Blood circulation is affected by venous insufficiency
It is real, that veins and arteries have a preponderant role in health. Since, they are in charge of transporting the necessary nutrients through the blood; for the organs to function properly. Hence, when the valves of the veins are damaged and the walls are weakened, blood reflux occurs, holding the blood in the legs. Leading to bothersome symptoms and health complications.
In this way, the legs have an ascending unilateral valve system, favoring the return of blood. Likewise, when walking the veins that are inside the muscles, they generate a contraction, helping the blood to flow easily. Therefore, when these valves deteriorate or there are no muscle movements; due to lack of exercise; the process is complicated. What produces inflammation, edema and alterations of the skin.1
Therefore, venous insufficiency is an alteration in the functioning of the vein valves, causing them not to close properly. Leading the blood to slow down your movement or get trapped in the legs; affecting the return of this liquid tissue to the heart. Causing loss of elasticity and clots, which generate varicose veins, pain, inflammation and fatigue, in the lower extremities.2
Can this pathology be treated?
Actually, you can take preventive measures by changing your lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active. Also, it is recommended to wear compression stockings and avoid spending a long time in the same position. However, in the most serious cases, surgical intervention and the use of drugs will be necessary to improve the quality of the veins and promote microcirculation.
Similarly, techniques such as sclerotherapy are offered; where a solution is injected directly into the damaged vein, so that it heals and is absorbed by the tissues; causing blood to be redirected in search of healthy veins. At the same time, there is a laser treatment, where varicose veins are removed by heating; from within, by means of a catheter; without generating disabilities or major complications.3
As we see, the symptoms of venous insufficiency can be treated. However, there may be some complications; such as superficial or deep thrombosis and rupture of varicose veins; that are worrisome. Therefore, it is necessary to use diagnostic aids; such as Doppler ultrasound; to assess damage to the circulatory system in the lower extremities.4
In this way, it is possible to check for obstructions, defects or narrowing in the veins. At the same time, the way in which blood circulation is taking place is checked. To take steps to stop the progress of the disease and minimize symptoms.
References:
- Silva Pupo Milena, from Risco Turiño Alberto, González Moya Alejandro. Characterization of chronic deep venous insufficiency due to valve reflux. AMC [Internet]. 2014 Feb [citado 2021 mayo 07]; 18 (1): 30-41. Available in: http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1025-02552014000100005&lng=es.
- 2. Leire Azcona. Venous insufficiency. Prevention and treatment. Elsevier. [internet] Nov 2008 [consultado 7 mayo 2021].; 22 (10): 36-40. Available in:
- Hernández Rivero Manuel Jorge, Suárez Cabrera Antonio, Machado Domínguez Yoandra Mercedes. Foam sclerotherapy, treatment for varicose veins of the lower limbs in elderly patients. Cuban Rev Med Gen Integr [Internet]. 2010 Jun [citado 2021 mayo 07]; 26 (2). Available in: http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0864-21252010000200020&lng=es.
Four.Sosa Vázquez Onerys Ramón. Phlebostatic ulcers. Cuban Rev Angiol Cir Vasc [Internet]. 2017 Jun [citado 2021 mayo 07]; 18 (1): 82-92. Available in: http://scielo.sld.cu/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1682-00372017000100008&lng=es.