VARICOSE VEINS
What Causes Varicose Veins?
In your veins, valves prevent blood from flowing in the wrong direction. If veins become damaged and weaken, blood will not flow back to your heart as effectively as it should. This is what happens in the condition known as venous insufficiency, which occurs when your veins are unable to return blood to the heart efficiently.
This results in excess blood filling your leg veins. If you are female and have a family history of venous insufficiency, you are more likely to develop chronic venous insufficiency as you age. A number of other factors can contribute to the development of venous insufficiency, including:
- Having to sit or stand for a long time
- Blood clots in the past
- Being overweight
Varicose Veins are often hereditary.
DIAGNOSIS
How is Venous Insufficiency Diagnosed?
A detailed history, physical exam and an ULTRASOUND are the gold-standard for varicose veins and venous insufficiency.
During the exam a clear gel is applied to the skin, and the sonographer will gently squeeze the leg in certain areas and press down with the probe to evaluate the veins.
Part of the venous ultrasound needs to be performed while standing, it usually takes about 45 minutes to complete and it requires no radiation as it uses sound waves to detect abnormal flow in the veins.
The ultrasound test requires no special preparation, although dehydration and cold temperature might affect the results. It is recommended that you stay well-hydrated and that avoid cold temperatures right before and during the exam.
The sonographer, if other than a physician, is generally not allowed to discuss the test results, and it is important that you ask all the pertinent questions relative to the findings with the ordering physician.
