Blood Clots in Legs

Varicose veins are often thought of as a purely cosmetic concern but is hardly the real story. Untreated vein disease can be associated with a number of serious complications which can occur. The most troubling concern is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT or blood clots) which must be evaluated promptly by a vein doctor NJ.

How does Deep Vein Thrombosis come into this?

If the body mistakes a varicose vein’s damaged blood vessel valves as an injury,  the natural healing mechanisms include platelet activation.  This can lead to the development of a clot could “heal” the damaged tissue in an over-aggressive response.

If the clot occurs in a superficial vein, this can cause inflammation of the adjacent skin and tissue, causing tenderness along the vein and sometimes the whole limb will become swollen. This is called superficial thrombophlebitis and not uncommonly seein in patients bad varicose veins.

If the clot occurs in a deep vein, the clot can break off and travel to the lungs leading to a very serious condition called pulmonary embolism (PE).   DVT can also inhibit the return of blood to the heart, and result in swelling, pain and inflammation of the affected limb.  These symptoms require immediate attention of the top vascular specialist NJ or vein specialist.

Leading a healthy lifestyle, regular exercise, not smoking and avoiding long periods of inactivity can help lower the risk of developing Deep Vein Thrombosis.  Having certain conditions like varicose veins, malignancy, blood clotting disorders should keep you hypervigilant.   Therefore, vascular specialist near me recommend early evaluation and potential treatment of symptomatic varicose veins.