A Chicago Vein Expert Explains How Healthy Veins Work

A Chicago Vein Expert Explains How Healthy Veins Work

As a medical center that offers some of the best varicose vein treatment in Chicago, we talk a lot about vein disease and the workings of abnormal veins; but in order to completely understand faulty veins, it helps to know how veins are supposed to work. Having a healthy network of veins can help you maintain your health and beautiful legs for years to come. Keep reading to learn more about the function of healthy veins.

What do Chicago residents need to know about healthy vein function?

Your vein system works in conjunction with your arteries and other vessels to transport blood throughout the body. Arteries work to bring oxygen and other nutrients in your blood to your organs, muscles, and other tissues, while your veins have the task of returning used blood back up to the heart and lungs to be “restocked” with nutrients. Your arteries move blood away from the heart using muscle tissues that are in the vein walls that are aided by the pumping action of the heart and the downward pull of gravity. Veins have it quite different.

Because veins don’t have the smooth muscle tissue walls, they use other means to transport blood throughout your body. One way is by using a system of one-way valves that open and close to build pressure that pushes the blood upward through segments kind of like a lock-and-dam. The valves rely on the squeezing action of the muscles in your legs when you move in order to open and close, which makes frequent physical activity so important to maintain healthy veins.

According to varicose vein doctors in Chicago, the vein wall is made of somewhat elastic tissue that also aids in circulation. The elasticity of the vein wall allows it to stretch to accommodate blood pressure. When veins succumb to vein disease, the vein walls harden and lose the ability to stretch and “bounce back” into shape. When this happens, the vein is at risk for swelling and overstretching.

How can you keep your veins healthy?

Preventing vein disease is the best way to keep your veins healthy, and to do this you must strive to maintain healthy veins. Although aging and heredity are risk factors that cannot be changed, there are many lifestyle changes you can make to greatly reduce your risk for developing vein disease. Coordinating your efforts with a Chicago vein specialist is the most effective way to do this, but losing weight, quitting smoking, and getting regular exercise are a great way to start. If you already practice healthy habits, congratulations—you are already well on your way to preventing vein disease!

Advanced Vein Care Solutions can give you the support you need to build a care plan to keep your veins in their best shape and to treat existing vein disease. To learn more about your risk, your current vein health, and the treatment options we offer, simply schedule a consultation with Dr. Ramon Castro by calling 773-283-7887. We look forward to hearing from you soon!