Are You at Risk for Varicose Veins?

Are You at Risk for Varicose Veins?

Sep 29, 2017 | News

Are you more susceptible to developing varicose veins? Are you at risk for varicose veins? There are many factors that may be putting you at risk for the development of these sometimes large and tunnel-like blood vessels.

Are you overweight?

Excess weight not only poses health problems such as diabetes and heart disease, it can make you more prone to developing varicose veins.

The added weight on your legs also means more pressure on your veins.

How old are you? Is there a family history?

While varicose veins do not always discriminate on the basis of age, getting older can put you at risk for varicose veins because of the natural wear and tear of vessels.

 

Genes also can play a significant role in the susceptibility of developing varicose veins. Just around half of people with varicose veins admit to family members also having them.

Is your job cramping your style? Are you experiencing hormonal changes?

Jobs that require you to stand or sit for long periods of time can put you at risk for varicose veins.

Staying in the same position for hours can put a lot of pressure on the veins of your legs, making you more prone to varicose veins.

The hormonal changes that accompany both pregnancy and menopause can lead to relaxation of vein walls, in turn weakening the veins and making them more susceptible to swelling.

Are you doomed to have varicose veins? 

Not necessarily. There are many ways to reduce your risk.

  • Stay active whenever possible. Going for a quick walk during a lunch break can go a long way in reducing your chances of developing varicose veins.
  • Compression is your friend. Compression socks, stockings or bandages can help to alleviate some of the stress on your legs and keep blood from pooling.
  • Rest! While staying active is vital in maintaining vascular health, resting and elevation are just as important, especially if you work a job that requires you to stand for long periods of time.
For more information about varicose veins and their treatment, contact NJVVC today!
The Anatomy of a Vein

The Anatomy of a Vein

Sep 15, 2017 | News

Varicose and spider veins are the consequences of deteriorating and clogged veins. These side effects of improper vein care are often discussed, but how they relate to your venous health is typically overlooked. Understanding the makeup of our circulatory system and the anatomy of a vein is an essential part of staying healthy.

Arteries

Arteries carry blood away from the heart, taking the oxygenated blood throughout the body to tissue and organs.

The largest artery in the human body is the aorta which is attached to the left ventricle of the heart muscle.

As oxygenated blood flows through the aorta it begins to move into a network of smaller arteries called arterioles and capillaries.

Veins

Veins are responsible for carrying the de-oxygenated blood back to the heart. This is a vital task to keep your body healthy and functioning. Veins lie closer to the surface of the skin than arteries and can often be seen on various parts of the body that contain a lot of muscle mass such as your arms, legs and chest area.

 

Veins are constantly working against gravity and therefore have a difficult job to perform. There are little flaps, called valves, to act like gates up and down the veins. The flexing of our muscles keeps blood moving by opening and closing the valves in our veins forcing the de-oxygenated blood to make its way back to the heart.

 

To fully comprehend the functions of veins and the importance of their care and well-being, it is crucial to understand what veins are made of.

Veins are composed of three main layers:

  • The tunica adventitia: The outermost layer of a vein is the tunica adventitia, or adventitia for short. This layer is the thickest layer of a vein’s lining and is made of loose connective tissues and an external elastic membrane. The adventitia fuses with surrounding tissue in the body.
  • The tunica media: The tunica media, or media, is the middle layer of a vein’s wall. This layer is built of collagen, elastic fibers, and smooth muscle fibers.
  • The tunica intima: The tunica intima, or intima, is the innermost layer of a vein’s lining. This is the thinnest layer of the vein’s wall and is composed of an internal elastic membrane and connective tissue.
The intima also includes endothelium, a layer that is directly exposed to blood flow within the vein.  This layer of the vein is first to experience consequences of venous insufficiency.

Vein Weakness and Insufficiency

Many contributors, mostly age, heredity, having children, and standing all day can cause the veins to become a bit weakened. As a result, swelling of the thin walls in veins causes the valves to become farther away from each other and rendered ineffective. The seal or “damming” effect needed for continuous, even blood flow back to the heart, is lost.  Pooling of the blood occurs and unsightly, painful and degenerative Varicose Vein Disease begins.
Taking good care of your veins is extremely important for overall health and well-being. When problems occur within a vein, blood may begin pooling and can lead to varicose veins or other serious conditions.
Exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding tobacco products, and limiting intake of sugars, sodium, and saturated fats are all great ways to maintain healthy veins.
The New Jersey Vein and Vascular Center is a state-of-the-art vein center committed to personalized patient care and exceptional vein health. Visit us today to discuss your venous and vascular health!
Improving the Health of Your Skin

Improving the Health of Your Skin

Aug 31, 2017 | News

With so many factors that contribute to skin damage and various ways to improve on the health of your skin, it is important to know what you are up against and what can be done about it.
 

 

Free radicals

Free radicals are highly unstable molecules found in certain foods, tobacco and alcohol products, and pesticides. They can also be the result of environmental factors such as pollution and sun exposure. Free radicals can be destructive to living cells and have been linked to diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Free radicals harm skin through volume loss and dehydration, which are the main culprits behind the tissue damage that cause lines and premature aging.
 

Antioxidants

Antioxidants work to combat free radicals by stabilizing them. While our bodies can produce antioxidants, the amount needed to repair the skin is insufficient and requires supplemental antioxidants, usually in the form of topical skincare. Additionally, antioxidants can also work to reduce inflammation, increase elasticity and collagen in the skin, and even diminish the effects of sun damage. There are many skincare products on the market that promise to improve the appearance of your skin, but when choosing a skincare regimen, it is a good idea to look for a line rich in antioxidants that improves the actual health of your skin while also improving the overall appearance.

 

Lifestyle changes

In addition to a good skincare regimen, there are many lifestyle changes that can go a long way in improving the health and appearance of your skin.
  • Lessen the stress in your life. Stress can actually trigger an immune response in the body, causing it to literally manifest itself on your skin. Learning methods to reduce or control stress can have a positive effect on the health of your skin.
  • Improve your diet. It is no secret that eating healthy has many benefits. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains and low in unhealthy fats and over-processed foods can actually help to heal and protect your skin.
  • Wear sunscreen! Protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays is essential in reducing your skin cancer risk, as well as the appearance of spots, lines, and aging. Wear protective clothing and use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 15, particularly during peak hours. If you are going to be in the sun for an extended period of time, it is important to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours or more often if sweating or swimming.
  • Quit smoking now! Aside from the known cancer risks, smoking can have a very real effect on skin by reducing blood flow, skin’s collagen and elasticity which results in wrinkles and premature aging.

Editor’s Note: This blog was updated in May 2024

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