“Varicose veins are enlargement or dilation of veins located just below the surface of the skin (superficial veins) usually occur in the legs. It can also occur in the esophageal vein (esophagus) called esophageal varicose, scrotum, vagina, anal part (hemorrhoids), sublingual (tongue), and others.”
It’s important to understand what varicose veins are, let’s start with the definition of varicose veins and other important things to know about the normal structure of the venous blood vessels.
A vein is a blood vessel that carries blood back to the heart. In this case we are more specifically discussing about the leg veins. There are three types of veins in the legs, they are:
- Superficial vein (surface)
It is under the surface of the skin, and it can often look bluish in color.
- Deep vein (in)
Located on the muscle so it cannot be seen.
- Vein perforator (link)
Connecting the superficial vein with the deep veins.
In the veins there is a one-way valve that leads upward (to the heart). This valve serves to prevent blood from flowing back down. When we stand there is a long enough distance between the heart and feet. The gravitational force tends to draw blood back down but it is prevented by the venous valve and thus the blood will flow smoothly to the heart.
The cause of varicose veins
To be able to understand the causes of varicose veins, we must first understand the mechanism of the occurrence of varicose veins.
The onset of varicose veins is thought to be that the blood vessel wall is weak in some parts. This section then widened and became more prominent. If this happens near the valve then the valve can become weak and leak, then the blood can flow back. Once this happens in one of the valves there is extra pressure on the vein so that it can cause an increasingly severe vein widening and a more severe valve leak as well. The blood then collects on the enlarged vein and makes it stand out.
Varicose veins are more common in women than in men. Most people with varicose veins do not have an underlying disease and even without a clear cause.
However, there are several risk factors for varicose veins, they are as follows:
- Pregnancy
Enlarged uterus can cause extra pressure on the blood vessels so that the flow back to the heart can be inhibited. In addition, varicose veins in pregnancy can also be affected by hormones tend to affect the vein walls.
- Age
Varicose veins are more frequent in adulthood and are increasingly at increased risk with age.
- Overweight
- Too much standing
Work or activity with a lot of standing is often considered to be the cause of varicose veins. However, there is little scientific evidence to support this.
Symptoms and Characteristics of Varicose veins
In addition to unsightly, varicose veins are generally painful and cause the sensation of fatigue in the legs. However, many people, even some with very … Read More...