Category: Vein Disease

What is a Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Posted on November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 by Texas Endovascular in Vein Disease

If you have vein disease, you may be at increased risk for a deep vein thrombosis (DVT.) But what is this condition, who does it affect and how can it be prevented or treated? Keep reading to find out!

Understanding Deep Vein Thrombosis

A DVT is a blood clot that forms in your deep veins. Typically, they form in veins located in your thighs, lower legs or pelvis. Now, all blood clots can threaten your overall health. But a DVT is particularly dangerous. Because, if even a small portion of that clot breaks free and enters your bloodstream, it could travel to your lungs. There, it could form a blockage known as a pulmonary embolism. And if you don’t receive prompt treatment for a pulmonary embolism, the condition could be life-threatening.

But how common are these embolism? The American Lung Association reveals that about 900,000 Americans develop a pulmonary embolism each year. Of those patients, between 10 and 30% will die within one month of receiving a diagnosis. However, with preventative care or prompt treatment, we can prevent such tragic outcomes.

Causes and Symptoms

Several different factors can increase your risk for DVT. And these include your age, a family history of blood clots, any recent surgery, and a sedentary lifestyle. Additional risks include long flights or car rides, making it very important to pay attention to DVT symptoms after traveling to distant destinations.

How will you know if a deep vein thrombosis is forming? Symptoms include swelling, pain, warmth, and red spots on the skin. In some cases, however, the warning signs are subtle. So it’s important to be aware of your DVT risk and get screened regularly if that risk level is elevated.

Treating Deep Vein Thrombosis in Dallas & Houston

If you develop a DVT, our treatment approach will work to prevent your clot size from growing; we’ll also reduce your risk for additional clot formation and for serious complications like a pulmonary embolism. To that end, we may prescribe blood-thinning medication or compression wear to treat your blood clot in the legs. In severe cases, you may need to undergo an angioplasty procedure to remove your blood clot.

Preventing DVT with Proper Vein Care

At Texas Endovascular Associates, we focus on preventative vein care in order to reduce your risk for deep vein thrombosis. When you [tx-appt-link] request an appointment[/tx-appt-link] at one of our Houston or Dallas area vein clinics, we can provide a diagnostic ultrasound to determine the current health of your veins. Afterward, we can identify any concerns that could increase your risk for DVT. And, together, we can come up with a customized treatment plan to prevent clots and boost your overall vein health!

Eat This, Not That: Foods for Vein Health

Posted on November 5, 2023November 7, 2023 by Texas Endovascular in PAD, Vein Disease

Did you know that choosing the right foods for vein health can improve your circulation? That’s important because your body’s circulatory system stretches over 60,000 miles long. And it plays an integral role in maintaining your overall health. Keeping it strong and nourished is vital for managing or avoiding venous diseases—including varicose veins—as well as for living a long and healthy life.

Thankfully, nourishing your veins is easier than you might think. A daily dose of moderate exercise combined with following these three diet tips will ensure that you and your veins are keeping your body’s circulatory system strong.

#1: Eat the Rainbow

What do rainbows have to do with your veins? Bioflavonoids, also known as Vitamin P, are the source of vibrant colors in certain fruits and vegetables. More significantly, Vitamin P also helps protect these fruits and veggies against microbes and insects. Studies have proven that a long-term diet rich in bioflavonoids not only improves the appearance of varicose veins, it also strengthens the walls of your blood vessels. And when those blood vessel walls are strong, veins are subject to much less of the stress that leads to and exacerbates venous diseases. When searching for foods high in bioflavonoids, look for brightly colored fruits and veggies like red bell peppers, oranges, strawberries, spinach, and peaches.

While you’re at it, consider adding the seeds of grapes to your diet. (Or, more specifically, an extract made from these seeds.) Why eat the seeds, which don’t have all that vitamin-rich coloring? According to a study in the journal Medicine, consuming two daily doses of grape seed extract boosted blood flow to varicose veins, improving pain and swelling.

#2: Don’t Forget Fiber for a Healthy Vein Diet

You’re probably aware of the digestive benefits of a high-fiber diet. But did you know that fiber can also help strengthen your veins? Soluble fiber, the kind that can’t be digested, stays intact when passing through your intestine and prevents constipation. Frequent constipation puts a large amount of undue stress on your veins. Foods that are high in fiber include oats, buckwheat, peas, apples, and berries.

Some nuts and seeds are also packed with fiber. And they’ll offer additional support thanks to their B3 and niacin content, both of which fight inflammation. Top choices include hemp, chia, flax, sunflower, and pumpkin seeds.

If you have trouble incorporating these foods into your diet, mixing flavorless psyllium powder into your morning glass of tea or water works just as well. Keep in mind that drinking a sufficient amount of water is a necessary accompaniment to a high-fiber diet because it ensures that the fiber will be pushed through your system.

#3: Vitamin C is Key for Healthy Veins

Perhaps the most important dietary tip for healthy veins is to eat foods that are high in Vitamin C. This is because Vitamin C keeps veins toned and has been proven to help improve circulation. Luckily, many foods that are high in Vitamin P are also good sources of Vitamin C. These include fruits like oranges, oranges, tangerines, mangos, grapefruits and papayas. Vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, kale, and bell peppers are also rich in Vitamin C. When consumed together with vitamin E, Vitamin C’s effects on veins are said to be even more pronounced. For your daily dose of Vitamin E, reach for almonds, peanuts, or avocado.

#4 Consider Cocoa

Like brightly colored fruits and veggies, cocoa is rich in flavonols. In fact, cocoa flavanols, including epicatechin, can help people with PAD walk more comfortably. More specifically, cocoa can help target therapy directly to your legs (limb perfusion) and improve cell and muscle regeneration in your legs. So grab a cup of hot cocoa, just make sure it’s cocoa powder with a concentration higher than 85%.

#5 Foods for Vein Health: Add Some Eggs

We’ve long heard that eggs up your cholesterol. And cholesterol can be a problem when it comes to your arterial health. But here’s the story: eggs are also loaded with vitamins, minerals and protein. And, according to a new study, this combination boosts heart-healthy metabolites in your body. In turn, that upped HDL levels in your blood, helping clear out cholesterol from your arteries and veins.

Now, earlier studies said that eating just half an egg a day increased your risk for heart disease by 6%. So, the jury’s still out on this favorite breakfast staple. But, for now, the latest evidence suggests that adding one egg to your daily diet should do more good than harm.

#6 Don’t Forget the Drinks

While your diet can support healthier veins, beverages can, too! Consider sipping on green tea, since it’s packed with Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound that could prevent plaque build-up and vessel constriction. And while you’re at it, be sure to drink your water, too, since staying hydrated supports optimal circulation and could even reduce symptoms of edema.

But Skip the Sugar for a Healthy Vein Diet

If you want to protect your vein health, watch your sugar consumption. That’s because processed sugar takes a toll on your blood vessels.

In fact, studies show that built up glucose can make your blood vessels contract more than they should. (It’s part of why diabetics have to worry about their blood flow.) Why does sugar in your blood constrict your vessels? Sugar inflames your nerves and blood vessels. That makes it harder for them to work well, so blood can pool, stretching out your veins and stopping them from closing properly. And those issues can translate to varicose veins, and aching, swollen legs and ankles.

When it comes to your veins, you are what you eat!

The key takeaway here is that preventing varicose veins starts with proper nutrition. The best foods for varicose veins are those rich in bioflavonoids, fiber and vitamins. So if you want healthier veins, replace junk food with a fresh and balanced diet rich in fiber and flavonoids. Add in some exercise (for inspiration, check out our Move it Monday series) and you’ll be on the path to stronger, healthier veins.

Sources: Journal of Circulation Research

These 5 Things Raise Women’s Blood Clot Risk

Posted on September 14, 2023September 12, 2023 by Texas Endovascular in Vein Disease

Women have a higher blood clot risk than men. Especially for one dangerous clotting condition: Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). This develops when you form a blood clot in the deep veins of your legs. As it circulates, there’s a risk that the blood clot will break free. Then, it could lodge in your lungs (pulmonary embolism), causing a potentially fatal complication.

Now, certain factors such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, vascular inflammation and obesity raise everyone’s risk for blood clots. But all women have an elevated risk. And should look out for warning signs such as tingling or numbness in your hands. And your risk for DVT may be increased if you take a hormonal birth control pill or IUD. Because some of the hormones in your birth control makes your blood more likely to clot, you may prefer a on-hormonal option if you have other risk factors. These include condoms or a copper IUD.

Birth control that contains estrogen is more likely to make your blood clot. For that reason, newer forms of birth control combine forms of progestin and estradiol, leaving out estrogen to improve the safety profile. If you prefer a hormonal birth control, but are worried about clotting, you may want to discuss options such as Yasmine or Mircette with your healthcare provider.

Caffeine and Blood Clot Risk

When you drink caffeinated beverages like coffee and soda, you’re more likely to dehydrate. If that happens, your blood clot risk will increase for a few reasons. You see, without enough hydration, your blood thickens and gets stickier. And that means it’s more likely to form clots. Especially if you have the habit of meeting up for daily coffee dates. Or if you swap a diet soda for a water bottle when you feel thirsty.

Blood Clots and Colitis

Men and women with Ulcerative Colitis, a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) are at a higher risk for blood clots. In fact, according to the Chron’s and Colitis Foundation, having any kind of IBD gives you a three times higher clot risk compared to the general population. Furthermore, if you’ve ever had to stay in the hospital, that risk is further increased. As such, you’ll want to watch for blood clot warning signs if you’ve been diagnosed with IBD, or have these other blood clot risk factors.

Pregnancy and Clotting

You may think that stopping birth control to conceive eliminates your clot risk. But pregnant women are in even greater danger if they develop blood clots. That’s because, when pregnant women get clots in the deep veins of their legs, groin or arms, the condition is called Venous Thromboembolism (VTE), not DVT.

Now, the condition’s name is different. But the danger to your lungs is the same. And that’s why VTE during pregnancy and post-partum is one of the leading causes of maternal deaths. (Even worse? The CDC says that 33% of people who develop VTE will experience another clot within 10 years. So prevention is very important.)

What We Know About Blood Clot Risk and VTE

Until recently, only a few VTE risk factors had been identified. During pregnancy these included:

A previous episode of VTE
A relative with a previous VTE episode
Advanced maternal age
Smoking
High BMIs
In-vitro fertilization

For post-partum VTEs, risk factors include:

Emergency c-sections
Still births
Pre-eclampsia (high blood pressure during pregnancy)
Varicose veins
Post-partum infection

New VTE Risk Factors Identified

Now, thanks to a study in Japan, two new VTE risk factors have been identified: Endometriosis and recurring miscarriages. To reach these findings, the study authors reviwed data from 103,070 pregnant Japanese women, collected between January 2011 and March 2014. Participants completed questionnaires in their first, second and/or third trimester, and their medical records were then transcribed immediately after delivery and one month post-partum.

First, researchers found that the frequency of VTE in the Japanese population was 7.5 per 10,000 pregnancies during both the pregnancy and post-partum period.

After identifying previous known risk factors, and adjusting for their presence, researchers were able to discover two new predictors for VTE: the presence of endometriosis and recurrent pregnancy loss. Women with endometriosis were 2.7 times more likely to develop VTE; women with multiple miscarriages had a risk factor that was 6.13 times higher.

In the wake of this information, we now know that more research will be necessary to keep people safe. And it should be coming soon. Just recently, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institue announced it will launch clinical trials in 2023 to determine whether certain body scans can detect blood clots right as they form. But, until then, it’s important to understand your risk. And address it with your doctor.

Pregnancy with VTE Risk Factors

Knowing your risk for VTE is important, since pregnant women with one or more predictors may need to take precautionary measures. In fact, VTE is such a dangerous complication, at-risk pregnant women may need to take anti-coagulants (with the supervision of and recommendation from their physicians.) To learn more about managing VTE and other venous conditions, schedule a consultationschedule a consultationschedule a consultation with our Houston vein specialists.

Sources: The Journal of Thrombosis and Haemostasis

Why You Get Lower Leg Ulcers and How to Treat Them

Posted on September 6, 2023September 5, 2023 by Texas Endovascular in Ulcers, Vein Disease

Lower leg ulcers are open sores that don’t heal or keep coming back. In fact, they’re one of the most common forms of chronic wounds in this country. Ulcers can develop on your lower legs. They usually show up around the ankles. But they also develop if you put consistent pressure on your foot. We can easily treat small ulcers. And stop them from returning. But if an ulcer is left untreated, it can grow deeper into your skin tissue. Or it may become infected. In that case, treatment will likely be drastic–and expensive.

How does a lower leg ulcer develop? Are there different kinds of ulcers? Read on to get a better understanding of ulcers and their treatment options. Plus, learn the best methods of prevention.

Venous Ulcers

Venous ulcers are most common on your lower leg. These occur when your leg veins don’t return blood back to the heart. (It’s a condition called chronic venous insufficiency.) Then, the unreturned blood pools in your leg tissue, causing swelling and low oxygen levels. As a result, even small wounds can’t heal. Instead, they get larger, leading to venous stasis ulceration.

These ulcers range from being painless to quite painful over time. They usually develop just above the ankle and on the inner leg. A telling sign of a venous ulcer is a brown, rust-colored pigmentation. You may also feel itchy or experience a dull ache. And swelling may develop.

Once it forms, the ulcer is dark purple or red in color and possibly tinted with yellow fibrous tissue. A green or yellow discharge is also possible if it is infected. It’s usually shallow, with uneven borders. And the surrounding skin might be warm and appear shiny and tight.

Venous ulcers usually affect older patients with a history of vein disease, varicose veins, and blood clotting. The fundamental cause is poor circulation, which can be brought on a number of ways, from atherosclerosis, obesity, heart disease, or smoking. Genetics, certain medications, and simply standing or sitting for too long on a daily basis can also factor in.

Diabetic Ulcers

Though much less common, diabetic (neurotrophic) and arterial (ischemic) ulcers can be equally dangerous if left untreated. Their cause, appearance, location, and treatment are different from venous ulcers, so it is important to have an expert diagnose them. If left untreated and infected, they can lead to amputation.

Diabetic or neurotrophic ulcers are a result of an impaired sensation in the feet and a decrease in wound healing, usually from diabetic nerve damage. They occur at pressure points on the bottom of the feet or wherever a wound has formed. Because of the lack of sensation, the patient is often unaware of them. It is important that diabetic patients inspect their feet daily. They can be pink/red or brown/black with a punched out or calloused/cracked border.

Arterial Ulcers

Arterial or ischemic ulcers, on the other hand, are extremely painful and due to arterial disease. (Like atherosclerosis and peripheral arterial disease (PAD). They don’t heal well because poor circulation to your extremities lowers blood levels in the tissue. These sores often develop on the feet, especially the toes, and occasionally on the ankles. They are usually deep, with clearly-defined edges, and may appear to be yellow, brown, gray, or black. They usually do not bleed. These sores may feel cold to the touch, because of poor circulation. Like diabetic ulcers, the surrounding skin appears punched out. The pain is greatest at night and can be relieved by dangling the legs off the bed.

Ulcer Treatments and Prevention

We can treat venous ulcers in a variety of ways. One key to successful outcomes? Early treatments! According to a new study in JAMA, treating ulcers early (with ablation and compression) is very cost-effective. And it can cut your risk of recurring ulcers.

Now, compression is the most common ulcer treatment. Lifting your legs above your heart, whenever possible, also helps. It’s also important to treat the underlying cause of the ulcer. Now, for venous ulcers, this includes closing the abnormal veins that causing venous insufficiency. Once again, you’d use ablation therapy.

You need a proper arterial ulcer diagnosis to come up with a wound healing plan. Compression therapy does not work for arterial ulcers; it can make them worse. Treatments involve attempting to re-vascularize the leg through endovascular therapy. Treatment for neuropathic ulcers include debridement or removal of infected tissue, avoiding pressure on the ulcerated leg, and special shoes to prevent contact irritation. Also, for any kind of ulcer, elevation can speed healing by improving circulation.

Ulcers of the lower leg can be prevented by checking your ankles and legs daily for early signs of ulceration. This is key to getting the preventative treatment you need. Taking daily walks, eating healthier, quitting smoking, and anything that improves overall circulation will go a long way in preventing ulcers and venous/heart conditions.

New Ulcer Wound Dressings

While ulcers are open, your vein doctor will need to dress the wounds to avoid infection. Now, German researchers are developing a new type of dressing that may better promote healing. Currently, many dressings are made of animal-based proteins, but this treatment option does create a risk of your body’s immune system responding badly to outside substances.

To better protect patients, the wound dressing currently being developed works with our body’s elastin, which gives skin stretch and resilience. Currently being tested in pre-clinical trials, this new dressing could help customize wound treatment. Scientists expect to finish their research at the end of 2021, at which point they’ll apply for medical approval. In the meantime, check out other ways to treat your ulcers.

How to Treat Your Ulcer at the Source

Whether you need an accurate diagnosis for your lower leg ulcer, or need treatment, Texas Endovascular has the vein expertise necessary to help. Schedule an appointmentSchedule an appointmentSchedule an appointment with us today and we’ll get you on the path to recovery.

Sources: JAMA Network, Circulation Foundation, Venous News

CVI, Chronic Venous Insufficiency: What You Need to Know

Posted on June 22, 2023June 20, 2023 by Texas Endovascular in Vein Disease

CVI, or chronic venous insufficiency, is a condition in which the valves in your veins don’t work properly. This makes it difficult for the veins in your legs to carry blood back to your heart.

Deep Vein Thrombosis — Tired, achy legs are actually a symptom of cvi, chronic vein insufficiency!

CVI is actually quite a common condition, affecting up to 40% of people in the U.S. It is a serious health concern, as new studies show that it increases your risk for both heart disease and overall mortality. Plus, because it is a chronic problem, it can lead to more immediate side effects like swelling of the legs and feet, pain in your legs and spider veins.

Symptoms of CVI

Some symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency include:

Heavy legs
Throbbing or dull aches in the legs
Swollen legs and ankles
Itchy, cramped legs
Changes in skin color—especially dark patches
Thickened ankle skin
Ulcers
Spider veins
Blood clots

What Causes Chronic Venous Insufficiency?

Certain factors may increase your risk of developing CVI:

A family history of the condition
Past blood clots
Varicose veins
Pregnancy
Gender (it’s more common in women, although one study suggests that men over 55 have a higher risk for CVI)
Smoking
Obesity
Long periods of sitting or standing
Lack of mobility, or being sedentary
Age, as being over 55 dramatically increases your CVI risk

Exercises that Help

While we have many ways to treat CVI, exercise is an important part of managing this condition. Here are some of the best options to help you feel better.

Walking

Choosing a low-impact walking workout will strengthen your calf muscles so blood will get out of your legs at a faster pace.

Leg Lifts

This is a stationary move that strengthens your entire leg, and helps get blood circulating. To try, lie down flat on your back. Working on one leg at a time, raise your leg to the ceiling and hold it in place for 10 seconds. Slowly lower that leg while raising the other, repeating for 10 reps on each side.

Calf Raises

We can’t say enough about calf raises. That’s why we devoted this entire post to their benefits. Check it out!

Swimming

We love this zero-impact workout because it takes all the pressure off your bones while strengthening your leg muscles to improve circulation.

Vein Healthy Yoga Poses

One of the best poses for chronic venous insufficiency is also one of the most relaxing. To try it, lie down on your back on a flat surface, close to a wall. Face your feet towards the wall, and slowly walk both legs up it, until they form a 90-degree angle against the floor. Hold the position as long as you feel comfortable, to get blood out of your legs and prevent pooling and vein stretching.

Treating CVI in Houston and Dallas

Untreated venous insufficiency increases your risk for venous ulcers and for DVTs. Depending on the severity of your condition, and your individual health profile, your treatment for CVI will differ. Only your vein specialist can determine the right course of treatment. There are, however, several common courses of treatment that we should review:

Medications

Some medications may help you manage CVI symptoms by working to improve the flow of blood within your vessels. These include:

Duretics, because they remove excess fluid from your body, reducing the volume that has to flow through your vesses.
Anti-inflammatories like pentoxifylline
Anti-coagulants or blood thinners, which prevent blood clots and keep your blood in a condition for optimal flow.

Preventing Vein Insufficiency

If you’re beginning to notice symptoms of CVI, the first thing you should do is talk to your doctor and schedule a diagnostic vein scan. After that, try some of these steps:

Wear compression stockings. These special elastic socks or tights apply pressure to your lower leg and foot, reducing any swelling you may be experiencing and improving blood flow to the area.
Put your feet up. By elevating your feet to a level above your heart, you can help your body move the blood out of your legs and back to where it belongs.
Protect your skin. People with CVI are more prone to skin infections like dermatitis or cellulitis. To protect yourself against these conditions, you should regularly moisturize your skin to prevent dryness and flaking. Make sure to exfoliate your skin regularly to get rid of dead cells and follow your vein specialists instructions regarding any prescription ointments you may need to incorporate into your skin care routine.

Worried about CVI and hoping to prevent complications? We’re here to help. Schedule a consultationSchedule a consultationSchedule a consultation with our Houston vein specialists, so we can give you a treatment plan to manage CVI.

Sources: Johns Hopkins Medicine

Here’s What you Need to Know about Bloodclots

Posted on June 9, 2023September 1, 2023 by Texas Endovascular in PAD, Vein Disease

In our Houston vein practice, we know how serious a threat bloodclots pose to your health. When we treat patients with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a condition in which blood clots form in the deep veins of your legs, we face a medical emergency. That’s because, if a blood clot breaks free and travels to other parts of your body—especially to your lungs—it can threaten your life.

But, many people want to know: why do I get blood clots? And, what are they exactly? Is there anything I can do to prevent them? So, in this post, we will try to answer all of those questions. Just keep reading to learn more.

Why do bloodclots form?

When things are working properly, your blood flows freely through your body, delivering oxygen to your organs and flushing out the waste products created by your body’s metabolic processes. But, if you get a cut, scrape or injury, blood in your arteries and veins (veins return blood from the body to the heart; arteries transport blood away from your heart) will clot to block your blood vessels and stop you from bleeding out.

But, when your arteries or veins get blocked when you aren’t injured, you need medical intervention. Otherwise, you can face complications such as strokes, heart attacks, organ damage and even limb loss. On certain occasions, as we mentioned earlier, blood clots can kill you by traveling to your lungs (pulmonary embolism), interfering with your ability to breathe.

Blood clots form in blood vessels—either your deep veins or your arteries. Typically, they form after your blood vessels get damaged, triggering a reaction in your body. This reaction involves a mix of platelets and clotting factor proteins.

Bloodclots Risk Factors

Anyone can develop a clot. But certain issues raise your risk. About 8% of the population experiences hypercoagulation, a condition that makes your blood clot more often. But for those of us who don’t face this concern, pregnancy, heart disease and cancer could all increase your risk. Recently, a new study also revealed that people with atopic dermatitis (also known as eczema) have a higher incidence of venous clots. So this condition could also be considered a risk factor.

Still, even if your underlying health is optimal, your lifestyle could be an issue. Being stuck in bed for extended periods makes bloodclots more likely to form. Any damage to your blood vessel walls, either due to injury or surgery, could also spell trouble. Finally, while research is ongoing, prior COVID infection seems to trigger an inflammatory response that could make your blood more likely to clot.

Warning Signs and Symptoms

Since a blood clot in your legs can break free and travel to your lungs, it’s very important to recognize the early warning signs. With a clot, you may notice a hard lump in your leg, which could also display inflammation. When the affected vein is near your surface.

When your surface veins are impacted, some people describe clots as feeling like thin sausages. And, in many cases, the skin on top of that bulge appears red in color. If you notice any of these signs, seek immediate medical attention. Otherwise, you’re at risk for serious medical complications and health concerns.

How Do Blood Clots Cause Health Problems?

As we mentioned, problematic blood clots form when the connection between platelets and clotting factor proteins goes awry. Platelets are objects in your blood that group together and stick to the walls of your blood vessels when needed.

Clotting factors are proteins in the blood that trigger a reaction to makes platelets and red blood cells stick together. Typically, other proteins in your body make that reaction stop, so your clot only reaches the size needed to prevent excess bleeding. But when damage to your blood vessels impacts that reaction, clots may grow unchecked, leaving you at risk for clotting conditions like DVT.

Arterial clots and DVT

We can’t always predict who will be affected by blood clots, or when those clots will form. But we do know certain factors that can increase your risk for clots:

Prolonged immobility, as with long airplane flights
Having thick blood (hypercoagulability.) Often, you only discover your blood is thick after developing a clood clot. But in some cases, hypercoagulability causes chest pain, dizziness, slurred speech and shortness of breath. Usually, this condition is a symptom of other diseases, including vascular diseases suches as polycythemia.
Arm or leg surgery
Casting a broken bone
Trauma
Smoking
Being pregnant
Diabetes
Obesity
High blood pressure
High cholesterol
Age
A family history of peripheral artery disease (PAD), stroke or heart disease.

Remember, PAD develops when you have atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis, a type of arteriosclerosis, is a condition where plaque builds up in your arteries. It specifically means that plaque built up on the inner most wall of your artery. Once that happens, your arteries narrow and ‘harden.’ In turn, this reduces blood flow to certain parts of your body. And it also increases your risk of blood getting ‘stuck,’ and forming clots.

New research has revealed an additional risk factor for blood clots, and it’s one that you unfortunately can’t control. In fact, your blood type can contribute to that risk, according to a study published in the Journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis, and Vascular Biology.

The research, which began in 2017, found that people with types A or B blood had a combined 8% higher risk of heart attack, and a 10% increased risk of heart failure, as compared to people with type O blood. So, knowing your blood type could help you understand your risk for developing a blood clot.

Diagnosing and Treating Blood Clots

The best way to treat blood clots is to prevent their formation. Some evidence suggests that drinking one glass of wine or red grape juice daily could help prevent bloodclots. Why is that the case? Well, red grapes contain an antioxidant called polyphenol that prevents the platelets in your blood from sticking together to form a clot.

But grabbing a glass of vino can’t be the only preventative measures that you take. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, staying mobile even on long trips, and using compression therapy can all help protect you from DVT. Even if you develop a DVT, compression therapy—especially within 24 hours of the clot’s formation—can help manage your risk of further complications.

So, as with many other vein and arterial conditions, timeliness is key when it comes to treating blood clots. The sooner you see a vein specialist, the better the outcome you will likely enjoy. So if you have any symptoms of or risks for blood clots, schedule an appointmentschedule an appointmentschedule an appointment with your Houston vein specialists today!

Sources: Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology Journal, American Heart Association

What is venous eczema?

Posted on May 3, 2023September 1, 2023 by Texas Endovascular in Vein Disease

Venous eczema, or vevous stasis dermatitis, is a skin condition that affects your lower legs. Causing symptoms like swelling, itching, changes in skin color and even ulcers, the condition is linked to poor circulation. Today, we’ll explore how you can diagnose, treat or prevent this chronic form of eczema.

What causes venous eczema?

This skin condition develops when you have malfunctioning vein valves. With this kind of vein disease, blood flows backward (we call this reflux) and builds up in your lower legs. In turn, you may develop swelling (edema), as well as other symptoms of vein disease, including eczema.

Anyone with vein health issues may develop this skin condition, but certain factors increase your risk. These include:

Chronic venous insufficiency

CVI increases your risk for venous eczema. This is a serious condition, characterized by malfunctioning vein valves. And it affects about 40% of Americans. Learn more about CVI here.

Lymphedema

If your lymphatic system isn’t working well, you can develop swelling in one or more areas of your body, caused by built-up lymph fluid.

Additional Risk Factors

In addition to CVI and lymphedema, your venous eczema risk will increase if your blood pressure is too high or if you have varicose veins. Carrying extra weight or spending too much time standing or sitting is also a concern. Having a history of blood clots, especially in your legs, is also a risk factor. And conditions including pregnancy, as well as heart and kidney failure, can also contribute to this condition.

Symptoms of Venous Eczema

With this skin condition, you may experience itching, swelling, pain and inflammation. Sores or ulcers can form on your legs, and your skin may also change colors. Tight, tender and scaly skin could be a sign of this form of dermatitis, and varicose veins are also a symptom.

Diagnosis and Treatment Options

If you have symptoms of this kind of eczema, a physical exam can help with diagnosis. You may also need a diagnostic ultrasound to make sure you haven’t formed a blood clot. Additionally, we may measure your circulation and relative blood pressure with an ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) test. This test helps us detect peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and can give us a better understanding of the blood flow in your lower legs.

If you have venous eczema, we can help manage symptoms and prevent complications by treating your venous insufficiency. We will also need to treat any signs of edema in order to prevent complications. And we can do that by offering compression therapy, getting you walking, and focusing on strengthening your calf muscles. If you’ve already developed ulcers or skin infections, you may also need prescription medications.

Can you cure venous eczema?

Unfortunately, this is a chronic disease. So, while we can’t offer you a cure, we can provide important support to manage your symptoms and prevent complications. Seeking early treatment is crucial because this form of eczema increases your risk for ulcers, thickened skin, and permanent skin color changes.

Prevention

Getting your veins into optimal working order can help prevent vein disease, and venous eczema. Some of the best choices you can make for your vein health include moving regularly, to avoid long periods of sitting or standing. You should also avoid wearing tight clothing, get regular exercise, and keep your legs elevated whenever you can, but especially at the end of a long day on your feet. Staying hydrated and following a vein-friendly diet can also help with prevention. And, most importantly, reach out for an immediate appointmentreach out for an immediate appointmentreach out for an immediate appointment at the first sign of any symptoms of venous eczema. Early intervention is the key to preventing serious complications.

Can Lymphedema Exercises for Legs Help Me?

Posted on April 26, 2023September 1, 2023 by Texas Endovascular in Health Lifestyle, Vein Disease

Are you wondering if there are lymphedema exercises for legs that will relieve swelling? We don’t blame you! After all, swollen legs aren’t just uncomfortable. They could be a sign of a serious condition called venous insufficiency. (Also called VI, this is a condition in which your veins fail to circulate blood properly, especially to your lower extremities). As a result, you may develop troubling symptoms. One common side effect of VI is edema (swelling) in your the lower legs. And when you experience edema for an extended period of time, you are more susceptible to venous ulcers, open wounds that develop on your legs as a result of increased vein pressure due to your malfunctioning venous valves.

While ulcers can be frightening, there are several ways in which we can treat these sores. First and foremost, it’s important to address the underlying cause of the problem–your venous insufficiency and edema.

To help control edema, we recommend that patients wear compression stockings; the pressure will help encourage pooling blood to flow out of your legs and back up to your heart, reducing the swelling you experience in your legs. Elevating your legs can help as well: if you put your feet up above the level of your heart, it will also encourage pooling blood to leave your legs.

But there’s two more ways we can control edema and VI, reducing your risk of venous ulcers: diet and exercise!

Dietary Changes to Prevent Swollen Legs

If you’ve noticed swelling in your legs, it’s a great time to start changing your diet! First and foremost, cut back on your salt intake. Too much sodium in your diet can lead to water retention, making your edema symptoms worsen. Keep in mind that lots of canned soups, snacks, cheeses and even pickles are high in sodium, so it’s not enough to just bypass the salt shaker.

Next up on the dietary schedule? Drink more water. While it may seem strange, increasing your fluid intake can actually help flush retained fluid from your body. So, if edema is a problem for you, grab an 8-ounce water glass and start sipping!

Not a fan of H20? While water is best, other liquids may help you fight fluid retention. Some people find benefits from sipping dandelion tea. But since this fluid can interact with your medications, you should never drink this brew without your doctor’s approval. A safer choice? Try drinking lemon water! This will add a bit of pep to your regular water. And, as an added bonus, the lemon may help flush toxins–and excess fluid–out of your body! Finally, cranberry juice can also be a helpful beverage. Packed with magnesium, potassium and calcium, cranberry juice may help maintain proper fluid balance in your body. (Plus, it could help prevent urinary tract infections!)

Now, other nutrients may also help avoid water retention, but if your edema is related to vein disease, you should discuss serious dietary changes with your vein specialist. And you should also take a look at your exercise routine!

What to Wear with Lymphedema

In order to prevent symptoms from getting worse, you should choose loose-fitting clothing, and avoid tight jewelry as wear. Even your shoes should feel comfortably loose, to avoid constricting any affected areas. In fact, the only tight articles of clothing you should wear with this condition are compression garments recommended by your healthcare providers.

What You SHOULDN’T Do with Leg Swelling

If lymphedema affects your legs, there are things you should do to protect your health. But there are also actions you need to avoid. First, you shouldn’t put a heating pad on any area of affected skin. When your legs are impacted, try not to stand for too long. Then, when you’re sitting or lying down, elevate the affected leg. Finally, make sure not to get a new tattoo on any body part that’s affected by lymphedema.

Lymphedema Exercises for Legs to Prevent Ulcers

As long as your doctor has cleared you for physical activity, certain forms of lymphedema exercises for legs can help manage VI, edema and ulcers. Exercises that are particularly effective include:

Walk your way to a lower risk of vein disease!

Ankle flexions (point your toes forward, away from the body, then flex them, pulling the toes toward your shin). The exercise is even more effective if performed while standing, or with the addition of a resistance band will further enhance the effects.
Brisk walking intervals, scattered throughout the day, will strengthen your calf muscle, helping it contract and push blood out of your lower legs.
Treadmill walking, especially at an incline, if this is possible for you, will further strengthen your calf muscles. If you aren’t up to treadmill walking, you can get similar benefits from rocking in a rocking chair, pushing off the ground with your feet to rock.
If you already have lymphedema, swimming is an excellent choice. It works because you’re horizontal and in constant motion, without impact on your legs.
Riding a recumbent bike is also a good choice because you’ll keep your legs slightly elevated and in motion. But you’ll do so with little impact on your lower body.

Of course, the best way to prevent ulcers is to maintain ideal vein health. If you start to notice any signs of VI or edema, come in and schedule a diagnostic vein scancome in and schedule a diagnostic vein scancome in and schedule a diagnostic vein scan. That way, we can stay on top of your vein health before more serious problems set in.

Sources: thehealthsite.com, healthline.com

5 Reasons to Rock Compression Socks

Posted on March 16, 2023September 1, 2023 by Texas Endovascular in Vein Disease

For many people, the words “compression socks” bring to mind images of your grandmother’s awful stockings. It may make you want to run for your fashion life, directly in the opposite direction. But here’s the thing: compression stockings are very useful medical tools when it comes to managing your vein health. And, not all of them work exactly the same way. In fact, there are three different levels of sock that your doctor may prescribe. Let’s explore these options, before reviewing why it’s so important to wear these circulation-boosting accessories.

Levels of Compression Garments

If we prescribe compression socks for your vein health, the garments we recommend will come in one of three categories:

Mild, delivering between 15 – 20 mmHg. You can wear these socks every day, whether you’re taking a long flight, playing sports, or simply sitting around the house and hoping to keep your blood from pooling. Keep in mind that mild compression won’t be sufficient if you’re hoping to see medical benefits to your vein health.
Moderate, delivering between 20 – 30 mmHg of compression. Typically, this level of compression can help manage varicose veins and mild swelling (edema). They could also help with post-surgical healing by boosting circulation.
Strong, delivering between 30 – 40 mmHg of compression. As the strongest compression socks, these medical clothes can help you after a DVT (more on that shortly), and they can also help manage serious swelling.

Regardless of the level of compression we recommend for your needs, your prescription socks will have an important job to do. So it’s important to wear them when we tell you too, and for as long a period as we prescribed. But, in case you need a little extra push toward the compression stocking aisle, here are three great reasons to wear these most useful articles of clothing!

5 Compelling Reasons to Wear Compression Socks

Especially in the hot summer months, we know compression socks may seem unpleasant. But they have important jobs to do, so just give them a chance. Need more convincing? Here are the reasons why wearing compression socks is so important!

Choosing The Right Compression Therapy — Compression stockings don’t have to look like this anymore…there are many patterns and colors to choose from!

They could save your life.
Compression stockings put pressure on your leg, and that pressure pushes blood from the bottom of your legs into the deep venous system, helping blood return to your heart. Because of this, compression stockings are great tools for managing many types of vein disease. They can reduce or even eliminate edemas (swelling of the leg, ankles or feet) and can help reduce the risk of DVT (deep vein thrombosis, a potentially deadly condition that often develops without any warning signs.)
They can keep varicose veins from getting worse.
Varicose veins emerge when valves in your veins fail, allowing blood to pool. This pooling blood can cause your veins to bulge or darken in color, which is the point at which they become visible through your skin. Because compression stockings promote the return of blood from your legs to your heart, they can help prevent blood pooling and prevent new varicose veins from developing, or existing ones from getting worse.
Compression Socks speed up blood flow.
Even if you don’t have vein disease, boosting blood flow is beneficial. These socks do their job by mimicking the natural movement your body makes when pump blood from your legs into the upper parts of your body. With this help, your body can work more efficiently. Which may translate to more energy in your body…and that’s always a good thing!
Get help for all day standing and sitting.
What’s one common complaint among people who spend all day on their feet? Swollen legs (edema.) And compression socks can help with this area as well. How? If you need to stand or sit for hours at a time, fluid can build up in your legs. And that’s when you may notice swelling. At first, this may not seem like a big problem. But if you don’t address fluid buildup, the extra pressure could burst your veins, leaving you with open sores (ulcers) or infection. If that sounds scary, well…good. It is! Thankfully, however, wearing compression socks will minimize your risk by pushing fluid out of your legs while they work on your blood flow.
These days, compression stockings are so cute!
Back in your grandmother’s day, compression stockings were, admittedly, unattractive. In 2019, however, compression stockings come in an array of colors, sizes and prints. Basically, there’s a pair to fit every person’s individual style AND medical needs. So, basically, using the “ugly” excuse to avid compression stockings is no longer an option.

Vein disease can make your legs less attractive, but compression stockings can manage your symptoms AND help you look cute while doing so! Looking for a recommendation on a great pair of stockings? We’ve got so many options in our Houston and Dallas area offices. So schedule your next appointmentschedule your next appointmentschedule your next appointment now and, while you’re here, be sure to check out our colorful selections!

Sources: Web MD, Rite Aid, Explosion

What Your Socks Can Tell You About Edema

Posted on February 22, 2023February 22, 2023 by Texas Endovascular in Vein Disease

Swelling in your lower legs (edema) can be a sign of vein health trouble. But sometimes, you may not notice subtle swelling. And that’s where looking at your sock line can help you identify brewing trouble.

At the end of the day, when you take off your socks, you shouldn’t see any depressions or grooves in your skin. If your socks do leave marks on your legs or ankles, that’s a sign you’ve got edema. Now, it’s time to see your vein specialist and figure out what’s causing the swelling.

What Causes Edema?

Edema is a broad medical term that refers to fluid buildup anywhere in your body. As vein specialists, we mostly diagnose and treat edema in your lower legs. While minor swelling after a long day isn’t a problem, chronic edema indicates problems with your circulatory system. Which is why we give all our edema patients a thorough diagnostic ultrasound to try and determine the underlying cause of your swollen legs, ankles and feet.

If you have generalized edema, it could be a sign of kidney disease or even congestive heart failure. But localized edema, like the type we usually see targeting your legs, ankles, and feet is more common. You’ll mostly notice this type of fluid buildup after a long airplane flight, or if you’ve been on your feet all day.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is the most common cause of this leg swelling. CVI is a term we use to refer to an illness that damages valves in your leg veins. Once damaged, these valves can’t fully close, so blood flows back into your legs instead of traveling up to your heart. Over time, the blood pools in your legs, and some fluid may escape into your leg and foot tissue. That’s when you’ll notice swelling, and you may also notice inflammation.

There are other causes of edema, and we can diagnose them in our vein centers. These include blood clots in your lower legs’ deep veins (a deep vein thrombosis or DVT). Pregnancy can also lead to this kind of swelling, as can your monthly menstrual cycle. Some medications and diseases will also lead to edema, and this is why we’ll take a medical history at every visit to try and determine what’s causing the swelling in your legs. Then, once we arrive at an accurate diagnosis, we can begin to create your customized treatment plan. Our therapies will reduce your existing swelling and help prevent your problems from recurring.

Treating Lower Leg Swelling

We have several ways to address edema. The first is compression therapy, which uses pressure to keep blood and fluid from pooling in your lower legs. Lifestyle changes such as reducing your sodium intake and spending less time on your feet can also manage your edema.

We may also recommend Radiofrequency vein ablation (RFA) to treat your CVI and edema. RFA is a minimally invasive procedure; we insert a catheter into your abnormal vein and supply it with heat energy, making it close permanently. All you need for RFA is a local anesthetic; it’s a virtually pain free procedure that leaves almost no scars behind. Best of all? We can complete the out-patient procedure in less than an hour, and you can return to normal activities right away.

You’ll need a thorough examination to decide which edema treatment is best for your symptoms. Don’t delay—CVI gets worse without treatment. So schedule your diagnostic ultrasound today—we’ll discover the cause of your swelling and provide you with a recommended treatment plan!

Sources: Thumb Butte Medical Center