When varicose veins become a mortal danger

Varicose veins can lead to life-threatening illnesses

Some people who have varicose veins only worry because the blue-stained veins on the legs are not pretty to look at. The so-called varicosis is not only an optical problem. In some cases, varicose veins can lead to life-threatening diseases. Patients should be examined early by a specialist.

One in five suffers from varicose veins

Varicose veins are common. About 20 percent of Europeans suffer from it. "The term varicosis comes from the Middle High German word" Krummadern ", ie crooked, tortuous veins," explains the German Society of Vascular Surgery and Vascular Medicine (DGG) on its website. However, a varix is ​​"not only a tortuous, but also an enlarged and malfunctioning vein" and can have dangerous consequences.

Frequently, venous problems such as Varicose veins are the cause of swollen calves. (Image: Solarisys / fotolia.com)

Which persons are endangered

One of the main causes of varicose veins is the inherited weakening of the connective tissue and the resulting impaired reflux of the blood into the superficial and deep veins of the legs.

This suffering is promoted in particular by overweight, long standing, pregnancy and lack of exercise. Furthermore, the tendency for varicose veins increases with age.

But there is more that can damage the vessels: for example, high shoes and boots and pants that are too tight. They pinch legs and feet and disturb the blood circulation. This leads to swollen legs and also causes the formation of heat in the veins.

"High temperatures cause vessels to dilate and the venous valves, which, like a valve, cause blood to flow in one direction, fail. This way, the blood can no longer run off smoothly and sag in the legs, "explained Prof. Dr. med. Dr. Stefan Hillejan, phlebologist and proctologist from the practice of venous and terminal bowel disease in Hannover.

Another adversary of the veins is alcohol. He also dilates the vessels, so that blood accumulates in the leg. The same applies to sunbathing and sauna visits, because the vessels expand in the heat.

Habitual sitting with legs crossed also affects blood flow, causing stagnation in the area below.

Life-threatening consequences

"Varicose veins do not cause discomfort or even pain," writes the DGG.

However, the circulatory disorder associated with the condition can lead to leg swelling, which can be felt by feeling tight, feeling heavy legs or muscle or leg cramps.

In addition, varicose veins tend to cause inflammation (varicophlebitis), which can be associated with severe venous pain.

Another possible consequence: "Varicose veins increase the risk of thrombosis," reports the German Veins League in a statement. A blood clot (thrombus) forms on the wall of the vein. If this comes off the wall of the vein, it can lead to life-threatening pulmonary embolism.

And last but not least, an "open leg" (ulcus cruris) can develop from years of venous insufficiency.

Varicose veins may reappear after removal

What helps to get rid of varicose veins again? "Which form of therapy is used depends on the extent of the disease and the affected sections of the vessel," writes the DGG.

Compression therapy, sclerotherapy, surgery with classic surgery, or endovenous procedure may be considered. According to the experts, the different therapies often have to be combined.

It should be remembered that the tendency to varicose veins is innate. If varicose veins are removed, this does not protect them from recurrence, which requires regular monitoring even after successful therapy.

Move a lot and store your legs up

Although health experts often give tips on how to prevent spider veins and varicose veins, but there is no reliable scientific evidence.

However, it is generally recommended to move a lot. For example, walks can help boost the return of the blood. Also recommended are endurance sports such as jogging, swimming, cycling, dancing, aerobics or special venous gymnastics exercises.

High shoes, tight trousers and long sitting should be avoided. It is advised to frequent walking barefoot and uplifting of the legs.

Obesity should be reduced, smoking and alcohol should be avoided. A healthy diet with lots of fiber, reduced sugar and fat content and a healthier fat composition (more vegetable instead of animal fat, polyunsaturated fatty acids) not only contributes to weight control but also to vascular health.

Great heat like sunbathing outside or in the sauna indoors should be avoided.

In principle, water applications can have a beneficial effect on your legs. These include, for example, the cold knee nut, a well-tried home remedy for varicose veins.

Also changing showers improve the blood circulation. (Ad)