Although most people relate vein disease to varicose veins on the calves or thighs or swollen legs and ankles, there are other more sinister problems that can arise in other areas of your body. According to Dr. Ramon Castro, our Chicago vascular doctor, there is a link between vein disease and stroke, a life-threatening restriction of blood flow to the brain.
What does vein disease have to do with stroke?
You brain needs a constant supply of oxygen to function. Blood is enriched with oxygen and other essential nutrients and supplied to the brain through your veins and vascular system. Stroke occurs when something interrupts the blood supply to the brain, which can result in brain damage, disability or death. According to our Chicago vascular doctor, one of the most common causes of diminished blood supply to the brain are blood clots. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a form of vein disease that can lead to stroke-causing clots.
DVT occurs when a blood clot develops within the deep leg veins. If a clot forms in the veins that are closer to your skin’s surface, the condition is painful, but is usually harmless and often resolves itself. The deep leg veins, however, supply blood to major organs in your body, such as your heart, lungs and brain. If the clot breaks away from a deep vein wall, it may travel through your bloodstream and cut off the blood flow to these and other organs. If a blood clot blocks the blood supply to your brain, you may experience a stroke.
Am I at risk for DVT or stroke?
People with vein disease have an increased risk of DVT because of insufficient circulation inside the damaged veins. Diseased veins cause sluggish blood flow, which increases your risk for blood clotting. To learn about your risk for DVT and possible stroke, come see us at our Chicago vascular doctor at our state-of-the-art vein center for a venous evaluation and consultation. Call us at 773-283-7887 or go online to schedule your visit today. You’ll be happy you did!