You probably remember from grade school biology classes that veins are the part of the circulatory system that carry blood back toward the heart. They work with other blood vessels such as arteries and capillaries to circulate oxygen and other nutrients throughout the body. But there are other important things you should know about veins, according to a Chicago vein specialist.
10 things to know about veins:
- Veins are made up of different tissues than arteries. Vein walls are less elastic than the walls of arteries, making them more susceptible to damage, particularly becoming varicose.
- Veins can lie close to the surface of the skin or deeper in the body, such as deep leg veins.
- Veins carry used blood back up to the heart and lungs for replenishment of oxygen and nutrients to be recirculated through the arteries.
- Veins have a network of “flaps” that open and close to build pressure and push blood upward against gravity.
- Varicose veins are unsightly, but they generally aren’t a medical problem.
- Diseased veins are unable to properly transport blood up and out of the lower body, which leads to varicose veins and spider veins. This is also known as chronic venous insufficiency.
- Blood clots and other blockages can form inside veins. At best, this can cause some discomfort. At worst, a blood clot that travels through the deep lying veins can result in organ damage or death.
- Veins are susceptible to lifestyle factors such as obesity, lack of exercise, poor diet and smoking.
- Family history, gender, and pregnancies also put some individuals at a greater risk for developing problem veins.
- Treating veins with a varicose and spider vein doctor in Chicago is important for healthy circulation and good overall health and wellness.
Now that you know 10 more things about veins, you may have a lot to consider. Preventing vein problems should be a priority always, so make sure to get regular exercise and try to live a healthy lifestyle. Begin a weight loss program or quit smoking if this applies to you. If you suspect that you already have vein disease, it’s important to get help right away from a Chicago vein specialist to look and feel better and to avoid worsening consequences in the future.
We can help you both prevent and combat existing vein issues. Through detailed and easy-to-understand health education and advanced vein treatment, we can give you the resources you can use to maintain healthy veins throughout life. Whether you’re at risk for vein disease or you’re within the range of mild to severe vein disease, we are here for you. Please schedule a venous evaluation and consultation with our Chicago vein specialist to get started on your journey to a healthier you. A friendly representative is waiting at 773-283-7887 or go online to schedule. You’ll be glad you did!