The importance of veins

Veins are the component of the circulatory system that transport deoxygenated blood back to the heart. The veins are composed of valves preventing blood from flowing backward and accumulating in the tissues. When a person is standing, the veins carry the blood against gravity and are able to transport it back to the heart.

There are two types of veins:

1. Superficial veins: they are those that are located on the surface of the skin.
2. Deep veins: they are located in the muscles and along the bones.

Blood flows faster through the deep veins than through the superficial veins. With each step a person takes, the muscles contract the deep veins in the legs, pushing blood toward the heart.

Vein problems

Some of the most common vein problems are:

• Varicose veins, swelling in the veins
• Venous insufficiency
• Irregular connections between veins and arteries, called arteriovenous fistulas
• Inflammation in a superficial vein due to a blood clot (thrombophlebitis)
• Blood clots in a deep vein (thrombosis)

People suffer from venous insufficiency when the deep veins cannot adequately transport blood back to the body. As a result, blood pools in the veins, especially when standing. If the patient's condition is not addressed immediately, it might develop into chronic venous insufficiency.

Chronic venous insufficiency

Lack of exercise, obesity, or a family history of circulatory problems makes a person more prone to venous insufficiency. People with this condition have a loss of elasticity in the vein walls, and the valves in the veins do not function normally. As a result, the veins widen and twist, and blood pools in the legs.

Symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency

Symptoms do not improve over time and, in some cases, may worsen. If you have any of the following conditions, you must visit a vein specialist as soon as possible:

1) Appearance of spider veins. These are capillaries that increase in size and have the shape of a spider web. They are often considered only an aesthetic problem but may be the first sign of venous insufficiency. Reddish or purple are more common in women.

2) Varicose veins. Vein dilation causes veins to burst out of the skin, giving them a twisted look. They are reddish or purple. Varicose veins are the most frequent and prevalent clinical signs of venous insufficiency.

4) Heaviness, tingling, tiredness, or recurring pain in the legs. In the early stages of venous insufficiency, the symptoms are relieved by elevating the legs or in cold weather. But, the symptoms intensify after prolonged rest or in hot weather.

5) Swelling in the legs. It is caused by the accumulation of blood in the veins.

6) Redness, itching, and sensation of heat in the legs. The increased blood in the legs raises the skin's warmth and promotes dehydration.

7) Changes in skin color and texture. Poor blood circulation promotes the appearance of dermatitis and hyperpigmentation.

8) Night cramps. They make it difficult to fall asleep and get adequate rest.