Varicose veins double the risk of heart failure

The angiologist and vascular surgeon Albert González-Sagredodoctor of the Tufet Clinic Phlebology Unithas warned that the presence of varicose veins can double the risk of developing heart failure, a health threat supported by scientific evidence.

Although spider veins and varicose veins can initially be considered a cosmetic problem, González-Sagredo has asserted that the former are actually the first stage of chronic venous diseasewhile the latter are classified in a second stage.

Given its high prevalence in the Spanish population, which reaches 30 percent and mainly affects women, and the demonstrated relationship with cardiovascular disease, the specialist has insisted on the importance of know how to identify both conditions and know when to consult the doctor to start timely treatment.

Varicose veins, dilated veins that affect blood circulation from the lower extremities to the heart, They can appear from adolescenceas detailed González-Sagredomember of the Spanish Society of Vascular Surgery, the Catalan Society of Vascular Surgery and the Phlebology Chapter of the Spanish Society.

The most common symptom of the disease is heaviness, present in 55 percent of cases, followed by pain (46%), swelling (36%) and tingling (30%), according to the results of the study. Twenty Consult Programwhich included 20,000 patients in Spain.

Unlike spider veins, which are smaller and more superficial vessels, varicose veins are characterized by having a size greater than four millimeters and being palpable.

Diagnosis and treatment

For its diagnosis, the expert has detailed what is required consult the medical history and perform a physical examination and a venous echo-Doppler; This is a non-invasive test that allows evaluating blood flow and the presence of thrombi or venous reflux.

Once the diagnosis is confirmed, therapeutic options vary depending on type and origin of varicose veins. For spider veins, sclerotherapy with polidocanol is recommended, while in cases of valve malfunction, thermal ablation techniques such as laser or radiofrequency are used. In other cases, ultrasound-guided foam sclerotherapy or microsurgery may be necessary to remove the affected veins.

The doctor has indicated that There are factors that increase the risk of suffering from these conditions, which include genetics, prolonged standing, being overweight and hormonal changes such as pregnancy or menopause. In addition, people with hypertension or cardiovascular diseases are more likely to develop varicose veins.

“The appropriate and personalized treatment of varicose veins not only improves the quality of life of patients, but also prevents serious complications such as thrombosis, bleeding or ulcers,” he insisted. González-Sagredowhich has advised consulting a specialist if you have any symptoms of pain, itching, swelling or a feeling of heaviness.