Absolutely not. There are many physicians who routinely prescribe diuretic pills for varicose veins. This is quite frankly medical malpractice and is based on ignorance/stupidity on part of the physician. Diuretics have never been approved for varicose veins and how this idea started is a mystery.
With varicose veins, the swelling is mild and is more due to blood pooling in superficial veins in one leg. There is no generalized fluid retention like that seen in congestive heart failure and thus, diuretics do not work. By elevating the leg and using compression garments, one can quickly remedy the swelling which occurs with varicose veins.
Diuretics can induce dehydration, cause a number of significant electrolyte changes in the body, plus one has to take them for life. all patients who take diuretics need routine blood work to ensure that their electrolytes are within normal. So next time your MD gives you a prescription of a diuretic for varicose veins, see a lawyer next.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Friday, May 8, 2009
What is thrombophlebitis? part 2
What the consumer has to understand is that thrombophlebitis of superficial veins is not dangerous. Blood clots in superficial veins rarely break off and migrate to lungs. In deep veins, blood clots frequently break off and migrate to lungs (pulmonary embolism). This condition can be life threatening.
Thrombophlebitis occurs because something has irritated the vein. In most cases, this is a blood clot or some type of trauma. The vein reacts by releasing a wide variety of chemicals that cause an inflammatory reaction. The typical symptoms of thrombophlebitis include:
- Pain which is mild to moderate
- Swelling of legs or hands
- Tenderness to touch
- Redness which is localized
- Pain may cause one to Limp when walking
- Area may feel warm to touch
Any medical condition that causes blood clots to form in the vein can cause thrombophlebitis.
Most common risk factors for thrombophlebitis include
- Prolonged period of bed rest- usually after surgery
- Long distance flying or driving
- After surgery- generally hip or knee but all
surgeries can lead to formation of blood clots
- After a stroke
- Following a heart attack
- Many cancers can lead to blood clot formation
- Pregnancy
- Use of birth control pill
- Trauma to veins
- Obesity
- Inherited blood clotting disorders
- Smokers
- Long term intravenous cannulation
One of the main causes of superficial thrombophlebitis is neglected IV lines in hospitalized patients.
Thrombophlebitis occurs because something has irritated the vein. In most cases, this is a blood clot or some type of trauma. The vein reacts by releasing a wide variety of chemicals that cause an inflammatory reaction. The typical symptoms of thrombophlebitis include:
- Pain which is mild to moderate
- Swelling of legs or hands
- Tenderness to touch
- Redness which is localized
- Pain may cause one to Limp when walking
- Area may feel warm to touch
Any medical condition that causes blood clots to form in the vein can cause thrombophlebitis.
Most common risk factors for thrombophlebitis include
- Prolonged period of bed rest- usually after surgery
- Long distance flying or driving
- After surgery- generally hip or knee but all
surgeries can lead to formation of blood clots
- After a stroke
- Following a heart attack
- Many cancers can lead to blood clot formation
- Pregnancy
- Use of birth control pill
- Trauma to veins
- Obesity
- Inherited blood clotting disorders
- Smokers
- Long term intravenous cannulation
One of the main causes of superficial thrombophlebitis is neglected IV lines in hospitalized patients.
What is Thrombophlebitis?
All of us have veins in our bodies. The main function of veins is to take blood back to the heart. There are veins of all sizes and found all over the body. Normally these veins function with great efficiency. However, sometimes veins do get damaged. The most common cause of vein damage is formation of a blood clot. Whenever a blood clot forms in a vein, it induces irritation and inflammation. The vein becomes tender and “angry”. If a superficial vein of the hand has developed thrombophlebitis, it will be tender to touch, perhaps slightly swollen, one may develop a low-grade fever, and the overlying skin will appear warm and red.
Thrombophlebitis can occur in both small and large sized veins. In the legs, blood clots often cause thrombophlebitis of large leg veins. When a blood clot occurs in
leg veins, it is known as a deep vein thrombosis.
In a hospital setting, thrombophlebitis of arm veins is very common. Whenever cannulas (plastic tubes) are inserted into arm veins, some degree of trauma occurs. Individuals who have intravenous lines in arms for prolonged times, those who receive chemotherapy drugs or those who have a depressed immune system are quite prone to superficial thrombophlebitis
The superficial veins in the legs are probably the most affected by thrombophlebitis. During pregnancy, these superficial veins get large and blood clots form inside them. The entire vein becomes “thick and rope” like and does hurt.
Thrombophlebitis can occur in both small and large sized veins. In the legs, blood clots often cause thrombophlebitis of large leg veins. When a blood clot occurs in
leg veins, it is known as a deep vein thrombosis.
In a hospital setting, thrombophlebitis of arm veins is very common. Whenever cannulas (plastic tubes) are inserted into arm veins, some degree of trauma occurs. Individuals who have intravenous lines in arms for prolonged times, those who receive chemotherapy drugs or those who have a depressed immune system are quite prone to superficial thrombophlebitis
The superficial veins in the legs are probably the most affected by thrombophlebitis. During pregnancy, these superficial veins get large and blood clots form inside them. The entire vein becomes “thick and rope” like and does hurt.
Monday, May 4, 2009
What causes spider veins? part 3
Trauma: Any type of trauma can lead to development of spider veins. Because these small tiny veins are very superficial and located immediately underneath the skin, even mild trauma can lead to rupture of these veins. Either blunt of penetrating trauma can lead to spider veins.
Sun: The biggest risk factor for spider veins is prolonged exposure to sun. How sun causes spider veins is not known but is related to the harmful UV rays, which weaken vein walls. Almost all individuals who have prolonged exposure to sun develop spider veins prematurely on their face.
Tight clothing: In recent years, it has become obvious that women who wear extremely tight clothes, girdles, underpants, or jeans frequently have spider veins. Restrictive clothing is one reason why spider veins are more common in younger individuals. The tight clothing limits blood flow and lead to blood engorgement. As the pressure in veins is increased, spider veins start to appear.
In some individuals, no known risk factor is known and yet they develop spider veins. In such cases, this is simply due to bad karma.
Sun: The biggest risk factor for spider veins is prolonged exposure to sun. How sun causes spider veins is not known but is related to the harmful UV rays, which weaken vein walls. Almost all individuals who have prolonged exposure to sun develop spider veins prematurely on their face.
Tight clothing: In recent years, it has become obvious that women who wear extremely tight clothes, girdles, underpants, or jeans frequently have spider veins. Restrictive clothing is one reason why spider veins are more common in younger individuals. The tight clothing limits blood flow and lead to blood engorgement. As the pressure in veins is increased, spider veins start to appear.
In some individuals, no known risk factor is known and yet they develop spider veins. In such cases, this is simply due to bad karma.
What causes spider veins? part 2
Pregnancy: The one physiological condition where spider veins do become prominent is pregnancy. Many women develop spider veins on the face and lower thigh in the 2nd and 3rd trimester. This is linked to increased levels of estrogen, weight gain, and fluid retention. The increased fluid leads to engorgement of small veins that start to appear dark blue.
Estrogen is known to weaken walls of veins and also impairs function of valves which control blood flow. The increased fluid retention during pregnancy leads to stretching of the tiny veins that start to become more obvious.
Spider veins also become more prominent on lower legs and thigh during the 3rd trimester because the increased pressure from the fetus places pressure on the tiny veins. Often, these small veins rupture and appear as blue blotches. If a female has developed spider veins in the first pregnancy, she will likely develop more spider veins during subsequent pregnancies. Once pregnancy has ended, spider veins do lighten in color but do not always completely disappear.
Prolonged standing: Individuals who stand on their feet all day are prone to development of spider veins. The prolonged standing leads to pooling of blood in leg veins and this leads to engorgement of tiny veins. With standing, the leg muscles do not contract, hence blood does not move up to the heart. As pressure builds up, veins become more prominent and occasionally rupture and appear as bluish spots.
Prolonged sitting: Individuals who are in occupations where they sit all the time are also prone to development of spider veins. The prolonged sitting leads to muscle inactivity, blood pooling and engorgement of veins. Once you start to walk, muscles squeeze the excess blood which then starts to recirculate. Walking also drops pressure in the legs.
Estrogen is known to weaken walls of veins and also impairs function of valves which control blood flow. The increased fluid retention during pregnancy leads to stretching of the tiny veins that start to become more obvious.
Spider veins also become more prominent on lower legs and thigh during the 3rd trimester because the increased pressure from the fetus places pressure on the tiny veins. Often, these small veins rupture and appear as blue blotches. If a female has developed spider veins in the first pregnancy, she will likely develop more spider veins during subsequent pregnancies. Once pregnancy has ended, spider veins do lighten in color but do not always completely disappear.
Prolonged standing: Individuals who stand on their feet all day are prone to development of spider veins. The prolonged standing leads to pooling of blood in leg veins and this leads to engorgement of tiny veins. With standing, the leg muscles do not contract, hence blood does not move up to the heart. As pressure builds up, veins become more prominent and occasionally rupture and appear as bluish spots.
Prolonged sitting: Individuals who are in occupations where they sit all the time are also prone to development of spider veins. The prolonged sitting leads to muscle inactivity, blood pooling and engorgement of veins. Once you start to walk, muscles squeeze the excess blood which then starts to recirculate. Walking also drops pressure in the legs.
What Causes spider veins?
What are spider veins?
Spider veins are a real nuisance. These tiny small veins appear just below the surface of skin and are very common. They are called spider because the vein has a very dark center with linear radiating lines circumferentially. Spider veins are also known as “star” veins or telengiectasias. One can have just one spider vein or many such skin lesions. It is estimated that close to 60% of the population develops spider veins at some point in their lives.
Where do spider veins generally occur?
In most cases, spider veins appear on the face (especially around the nose and cheeks). On the leg, spider veins are most common around the back of thighs.
Why do docs talk a lot about spider veins?
Am sorry to say, but MDs who hype about spider veins are clueless and only want your money. Spider veins are only a cosmetic nuisance and cause no harm. They are not life threatening.
Why do spider veins occur?
The exact cause is not known but there are several risk factors:
Age: Spider veins are extremely rare in children and young adults. As we age, spider veins do start to appear. In most cases, spider veins first appear in the 3rd/4th decade of life. As humans get older, almost everyone develops spider veins. Elderly individuals who have delicate and fragile skin easily develop spider veins from minimal trauma.
Genetics: Even though it is known that spider veins do run in families, the exact gene and type of linkage inheritance is unknown. The genetic linkage is stronger for females than males. There is no known medical disorder that has been associated with an increased frequency of spider veins
Spider veins are a real nuisance. These tiny small veins appear just below the surface of skin and are very common. They are called spider because the vein has a very dark center with linear radiating lines circumferentially. Spider veins are also known as “star” veins or telengiectasias. One can have just one spider vein or many such skin lesions. It is estimated that close to 60% of the population develops spider veins at some point in their lives.
Where do spider veins generally occur?
In most cases, spider veins appear on the face (especially around the nose and cheeks). On the leg, spider veins are most common around the back of thighs.
Why do docs talk a lot about spider veins?
Am sorry to say, but MDs who hype about spider veins are clueless and only want your money. Spider veins are only a cosmetic nuisance and cause no harm. They are not life threatening.
Why do spider veins occur?
The exact cause is not known but there are several risk factors:
Age: Spider veins are extremely rare in children and young adults. As we age, spider veins do start to appear. In most cases, spider veins first appear in the 3rd/4th decade of life. As humans get older, almost everyone develops spider veins. Elderly individuals who have delicate and fragile skin easily develop spider veins from minimal trauma.
Genetics: Even though it is known that spider veins do run in families, the exact gene and type of linkage inheritance is unknown. The genetic linkage is stronger for females than males. There is no known medical disorder that has been associated with an increased frequency of spider veins
What Causes Varicose Veins? Part 3
Straining: Some individuals develop persistently high pressures in lower abdomen and pelvis. Conditions, which cause increased pressures in lower abdomen, include constipation, recurrent coughing (COPD), or prostatic hypertrophy. Increased abdominal pressure can also lead to development of hemorrhoids, which are another type of varicosity that occur in the anal area. Individuals who are constipated and always straining in the bathroom usually have hemorrhoids.
Standing: One of the most common causes of varicose veins is prolonged standing. Individuals who have a job where they are required to stand all day often develop varicose veins; this is simply due to increased pressure in veins which results in pooling of blood. Further, when one is standing all day, leg muscles remain inactive and will not push blood up to the heart. This leads to swelling of the leg, damage to valves and also results in discomfort around the calf and ankles. Therefore, it is highly recommended that individuals, who stand all day, wear compression garments, walk around to stimulate their muscles to prevent varicose vein development.
Blood clot: Individuals who develop blood clots in deep veins often develop a condition called post phlebitic syndrome. The blood clot causes a severe inflammatory reaction that is transmitted to superficial veins leading to damage to vein valves. Over time, most of these individuals have swelling of legs, skin discoloration, generalized leg pain, and severe varicosities. This is one of the most difficult disorders in medicine to treat. The best treatment for post phlebitic syndrome is compression stockings.
Idiopathic: There are many individuals who develop varicose veins and have no identifiable risk factor. In these individual the cause is simply attributed to bad luck
for compression stockings, please visit www.medexsupply.com
Standing: One of the most common causes of varicose veins is prolonged standing. Individuals who have a job where they are required to stand all day often develop varicose veins; this is simply due to increased pressure in veins which results in pooling of blood. Further, when one is standing all day, leg muscles remain inactive and will not push blood up to the heart. This leads to swelling of the leg, damage to valves and also results in discomfort around the calf and ankles. Therefore, it is highly recommended that individuals, who stand all day, wear compression garments, walk around to stimulate their muscles to prevent varicose vein development.
Blood clot: Individuals who develop blood clots in deep veins often develop a condition called post phlebitic syndrome. The blood clot causes a severe inflammatory reaction that is transmitted to superficial veins leading to damage to vein valves. Over time, most of these individuals have swelling of legs, skin discoloration, generalized leg pain, and severe varicosities. This is one of the most difficult disorders in medicine to treat. The best treatment for post phlebitic syndrome is compression stockings.
Idiopathic: There are many individuals who develop varicose veins and have no identifiable risk factor. In these individual the cause is simply attributed to bad luck
for compression stockings, please visit www.medexsupply.com
What Causes Varicose Veins? Part 2
Trauma: Because superficial leg veins are located underneath the skin, they are quite prone to damage with any type of blunt or penetrating trauma. Once a superficial vein has been damaged, it will never work as normal and varicosities often develop in future. The majority of individuals who have leg trauma have life long swelling of their feet due to damage to these veins.
Estrogen: The female sex hormone, estrogen, is associated with an increased incidence of varicosities. Estrogen is thought to cause varicose veins because it either thins the veins or damages the valves. Either of these condition leads to pooling of blood in the legs. Because of presence of the sex hormone, estrogen, women tend to develop varicose veins more often than men.
Obesity is one medical disorder that is associated severe varicose veins. The excess weight is the chief reason why varicose veins are more prominent in obese individuals. The thin veins simply are not able to sustain the high pressure from body weight and increased fluids. Even when weight is lost, varicose veins do not completely disappear.
Pregnancy: Almost 70% of women who get pregnant develop varicosities during the 2/3rd trimester. The chief reason for this is that the fetus increases pressure in the lower abdomen and prevents the superficial veins from pushing blood back to the heart. Increased fluid accumulation and excess estrogen are other factors that have been linked to varicose vein formation during pregnancy. Varicose veins are usually more severe in women with multiple pregnancies than in women who have had just one pregnancy. The varicosities do get worse with each subsequent pregnancy. One way to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy is to wear compression stockings and avoid sleeping on the back. Always lie on the left side. This prevents the fetus from compressing the lower pelvis. Varicose veins which develop during pregnancy are always “thick and rope” like and never completely disappear after childbirth.
Genetics: Varicose veins do tend to run in families. If one member of the family is affected, the chances are high that other members of family may also develop varicose veins. In most cases, this genetic link is stronger in females than males.
for compression stockings, please visit www.medexsupply.com
Estrogen: The female sex hormone, estrogen, is associated with an increased incidence of varicosities. Estrogen is thought to cause varicose veins because it either thins the veins or damages the valves. Either of these condition leads to pooling of blood in the legs. Because of presence of the sex hormone, estrogen, women tend to develop varicose veins more often than men.
Obesity is one medical disorder that is associated severe varicose veins. The excess weight is the chief reason why varicose veins are more prominent in obese individuals. The thin veins simply are not able to sustain the high pressure from body weight and increased fluids. Even when weight is lost, varicose veins do not completely disappear.
Pregnancy: Almost 70% of women who get pregnant develop varicosities during the 2/3rd trimester. The chief reason for this is that the fetus increases pressure in the lower abdomen and prevents the superficial veins from pushing blood back to the heart. Increased fluid accumulation and excess estrogen are other factors that have been linked to varicose vein formation during pregnancy. Varicose veins are usually more severe in women with multiple pregnancies than in women who have had just one pregnancy. The varicosities do get worse with each subsequent pregnancy. One way to prevent varicose veins during pregnancy is to wear compression stockings and avoid sleeping on the back. Always lie on the left side. This prevents the fetus from compressing the lower pelvis. Varicose veins which develop during pregnancy are always “thick and rope” like and never completely disappear after childbirth.
Genetics: Varicose veins do tend to run in families. If one member of the family is affected, the chances are high that other members of family may also develop varicose veins. In most cases, this genetic link is stronger in females than males.
for compression stockings, please visit www.medexsupply.com
What causes varicose veins?
Humans have veins all over the body. No matter where the vein is located, its function is to take blood back to the heart. In general, there are two types of veins, superficial and deep. Varicose veins affect superficial veins in the leg. The superficial veins connect to the deep veins by smaller connecting veins known as perforators.
Superficial veins in the leg are located just underneath the skin and are often barely visible. The squeezing action of leg muscles pushes blood up the veins and towards the heart. Inside all superficial veins are valves that prevent backflow of blood.
Superficial veins in the legs are very thinned walled and have no muscle. These veins have no ability to tolerate high pressures. Anytime blood starts to collect in superficial veins, they swell up and become very prominent. This is known as varicose veins. The other reason why varicose veins develop is when valves get damaged. This then results in pooling of blood in the leg and swelling around the ankle is quite obvious.
Therefore, any condition that increases high pressures in superficial leg veins or causes damage to valves can lead to varicose vein formation.
The most common causes of varicose veins include:
Age: Most people develop some degree of varicose veins with age. The reason for this is the vein wall starts to get weaker and loses its elasticity. The valves also start to function less efficiently. With age, tone of veins also weakens and the vein is no longer able to push blood out. The constant wear and tear leads to development of varicose veins. The majority of elderly individuals have varicose veins. However, most elderly individuals never ever complain of varicose veins or symptoms.
Superficial veins in the leg are located just underneath the skin and are often barely visible. The squeezing action of leg muscles pushes blood up the veins and towards the heart. Inside all superficial veins are valves that prevent backflow of blood.
Superficial veins in the legs are very thinned walled and have no muscle. These veins have no ability to tolerate high pressures. Anytime blood starts to collect in superficial veins, they swell up and become very prominent. This is known as varicose veins. The other reason why varicose veins develop is when valves get damaged. This then results in pooling of blood in the leg and swelling around the ankle is quite obvious.
Therefore, any condition that increases high pressures in superficial leg veins or causes damage to valves can lead to varicose vein formation.
The most common causes of varicose veins include:
Age: Most people develop some degree of varicose veins with age. The reason for this is the vein wall starts to get weaker and loses its elasticity. The valves also start to function less efficiently. With age, tone of veins also weakens and the vein is no longer able to push blood out. The constant wear and tear leads to development of varicose veins. The majority of elderly individuals have varicose veins. However, most elderly individuals never ever complain of varicose veins or symptoms.
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