Deep vein thrombosis is not fatal; the risk is more than 25%. A DVT in an upper limb can occur but is much rarer than a DVT in the lower limb. Deep vein thrombosis symptoms are shortness of breath (dyspnea), chest pain, and palpitations. Several years after a DVT, up to 20% of patients may develop post-phlebitic syndrome. This syndrome includes leg swelling, heaviness, pain, and skin changes. These are explained by chronic obstruction of the deep
spider veins causing complications related to increased pressure in the veins.
Can deep vein thrombosis be prevented?
Deep vein thrombosis has the most severe complications. The most feared is pulmonary embolism, the displacement of the thrombus to the lungs. It is a complication that is sometimes fatal, so early diagnosis and immediate anticoagulant treatment is essential. In the long term, the other difficulty of DVT is the so-called post-thrombotic syndrome. The destruction of the venous valves produces it. It has chronic edema, heaviness, pain in the extremity, skin disorders, and, in the final stages, the appearance of ulcers. The way to prevent this spider veins syndrome is with correct anticoagulation and the use from the beginning of an elastic stocking.
What is the cause of venous insufficiency?
Venous insufficiency has accompanied the human being throughout its history. Its origin is related to the acquisition of the bipedal posture by Homo sapiens, which, due to the influence of gravity, generated a physiological situation of increased pressure in the venous system of the pelvis and lower limbs (MMII).
Since then, it has been studied in the medical treatises of Ancient Greece, Egypt, etc. Its incidence and prevalence have been growing according to the progress of civilization and modern life, related to certain lifestyle habits.
One of the most common diseases
Today we can affirm that venous insufficiency is one of the most frequent chronic diseases among the population.
Many patients who suffer from venous insufficiency consult us at USA Vein Clinic for aesthetic problems. However, in some cases, it can constitute a real health problem that needs to be known, evaluated, diagnosed, and treated effectively, often using less aggressive techniques with excellent results. To achieve this, highly complex technical equipment is not required, but rather a more profound knowledge of the pathological process.
This spider veins disease can be defined as the inability of the venous system to drive blood toward the heart due to increased pressure inside the veins.
Causes of chronic venous insufficiency
The causes are diverse:
- An obstruction in venous flow due to thrombosis of a vessel or extrinsic compression;
- Due to valvular reflux (varicose veins);
- Due to failure in the venous pumping mechanisms.
- Detecting each etiological factor will help us develop an effective therapeutic strategy for each patient.
Symptoms of venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is characterized by two main “symptoms”: spider veins and heaviness, which can manifest together or separately.
Varicose or spider veins are dilations of the veins of the superficial venous system and are often the main reason for which the patient comes for consultation. The heaviness is manifested by irritation of the endothelium or inner layer of the veins of the deep venous system due to increased pressure. Patients with severe venous dilations not accompanied by pain or heaviness are frequent.
Another common symptom is edema or swelling in the legs. In more advanced stages, severe complications may appear, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary thromboembolism (TEP), ulcers, hemorrhages, and skin disorders: dermatitis, eczema, cellulite, pigmentation, etc.
The clinical symptoms associated with venous insufficiency are produced by the accumulation of blood in the veins of the legs; therefore, they increase or worsen in certain situations: at the end of the day, when standing or sitting for a long time, in the heat, etc. On the contrary, the symptoms improve when raising the legs, mobilizing the muscular pumps with physical exercise (preferably walking), using compression stockings, etc.
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