Welcome to Brookhaven Heart, your trusted partner in vein and heart health care. With offices located in Patchogue, and New Hyde Park, New York, we are committed to providing comprehensive cardiovascular and vein care services to our patients. Here are some common vein disorders to watch out for, including varicose veins, spider veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). If you are experiencing symptoms, we can help you explore your treatment options to help you better understand and manage these conditions.
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that often appear blue or purple and are most commonly found in the legs. They occur when the one-way valves in the veins, which help blood flow back to the heart, become weak or damaged. This causes blood to pool in the veins, leading to their enlargement.
Some of the symptoms are visible, bulging veins, aching or throbbing pain in the legs, and heaviness or discomfort in the affected area. You may also notice swelling, particularly after long periods of standing or sitting.
Treatment Options
Treatment for varicose veins ranges from lifestyle changes and conservative measures to minimally invasive procedures. Our medical team at Brookhaven Heart may recommend compression stockings to improve blood flow and reduce symptoms and lifestyle modifications, such as exercise and weight management. Other options are minimally invasive procedures like endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and sclerotherapy, a procedure involving the injection of a solution to close off affected veins.
Spider Veins
Spider veins are smaller, web-like veins that often appear on the surface of the skin. They are typically caused by similar factors as varicose veins, including weakened or damaged vein valves and increased pressure on the veins. However, spider veins are usually cosmetic in nature and may not cause significant discomfort.
Symptoms are usually red or blue veins resembling spider webs or branches and mild burning or itching sensations in the affected area.
Treatment for spider veins is primarily cosmetic and may include sclerotherapy, which is the injection of a solution into the veins to make them fade and disappear, and laser therapy, which is the use of laser technology to target and reduce the appearance of spider veins.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
DVT is a more serious condition characterized by the formation of blood clots in the deep veins of the body, typically in the legs. Factors contributing to DVT include prolonged immobility, surgery, injury, pregnancy, smoking, and certain medical conditions.
Symptoms include swelling, pain, and tenderness in the affected limb, warmth and redness in the affected area, difficulty walking or bending the affected limb, and chest pain and shortness of breath if the clot travels to the lungs (pulmonary embolism).
DVT is a medical emergency and requires prompt treatment to prevent complications. Treatment options may include anticoagulant medications (blood thinners) to prevent further clot formation, or thrombolytic therapy to dissolve the clot in severe cases.
Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI)
CVI occurs when the veins in the legs fail to return blood efficiently to the heart. This can result from weakened vein walls, damaged valves, or a history of blood clots. CVI is often associated with prolonged standing or sitting.
Symptoms include swelling in the legs and ankles, aching, cramping, or throbbing pain, and skin changes, such as darkening or ulcers in severe cases.
Treatment for CVI focuses on improving blood flow and managing symptoms. Options include lifestyle changes, including regular exercise and leg elevation, compression therapy with stockings or bandages, medications to reduce swelling and improve blood flow, and minimally invasive procedures, such as venous ablation, to treat underlying vein issues.
Contact Brookhaven Heart Today
At Brookhaven Heart, we understand the impact that vein disorders can have on your daily life. Our team of experienced physicians is dedicated to providing personalized care and tailored treatment plans to address your specific needs. If you are experiencing symptoms of any of these vein disorders or have concerns about your vein and heart health, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to support you on your journey to healthier veins and a healthier heart. Call us to schedule your appointment and get on track to better vein health today!
