Do Varicose Veins Affect the Heart?

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August is National Wellness Month, where people can focus on taking care of themselves in all areas of health from mental to physical. We at USA Vein Clinics are dedicated to helping patients focus on their physical health. That brings us to a common question we hear from our patients: do varicose veins affect the heart? 

Although veins are physically connected to the heart, the connection between varicose veins and the risk of heart problems are not as direct. Heart disease develops from problems in the arteries and circulation. Vein issues are not a sign of poor heart health, in most cases. 

Vein disease can overlap with heart problems, especially since both conditions share similar risk factors like poor circulation, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity. Letting these problems progress and neglecting treatment can lead to more serious conditions like dangerous blood clots, stroke or a heart attack. 

This blog will investigate the following: 

  • Possible connections between varicose veins and heart disease 
  • The complications associated with varicose veins  
  • Whether treating varicose veins will improve heart health  
  • How one can prevent varicose veins and heart problems 

Understanding the Venous System

Can Varicose Veins Cause Heart Problems? 

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Varicose veins do not cause heart problems in most cases. While there’s no direct connection between varicose veins and heart health, there is a correlation between people with varicose veins and an increased risk of congestive heart failure.1 The correlation doesn’t mean it will happen though. A person with varicose veins may not be at risk for heart problems, and a person with heart problems may not develop varicose veins. 

The Connection Between Varicose Veins and the Heart 

The connection between varicose veins and heart health is unclear, however, some cases of varicose veins overlap with heart conditions.2 When someone develops varicose veins, one-way valves responsible for keeping blood flow in one direction become damaged. This distorts the direction of blood flow, causing blood to flow backwards. Deoxygenated blood starts to pool in the veins, enlarging the veins and giving them a bulging appearance on the skin’s surface.  

When varicose veins are left untreated, this paves the way for more serious health conditions like venous ulcers (slow or non-healing wounds on the legs) and blood clots. 

Are Varicose Veins a Sign of Heart Disease? 

Varicose veins are not a sign of heart disease; however, they are a sign of poor circulation. Varicose veins generally can’t cause heart conditions since blood is flowing backward in a diseased vein. That doesn’t mean heart problems couldn’t affect the venous system. An example would be if a patient has heart disease and vein disease, they could be at risk for swelling in the legs or developing an infection around the varicose vein. 

Symptoms of Varicose Veins 

Varicose veins start with mild symptoms such as minimal achiness and tingling. Symptoms worsen over time and some people notice a bulging, bluish, purplish vein underneath the skin. Other people with varicose veins may experience pain that affects their daily life.  

Other symptoms of varicose veins include: 

  • Swelling in the legs 
  • Cramping in the calves, thighs, or buttocks 
  • Feeling heavy in the legs 
  • Numbness in the feet or legs 
  • Itching or burning sensations near the affected area 
  • Relief from pain when elevating legs 
  • Restless legs when sitting or standing 

It’s important to see a vein specialist if you’re experiencing any of these symptoms. Neglecting to treat varicose veins could lead to a variety of complications, reducing your quality of life. A vein specialist can assess the diseased vein and determine the right treatment for you. At USA Vein Clinics, we offer non-surgical treatments that can help alleviate symptoms and improve blood circulation. 

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Risk Factors for Developing Varicose Veins and Heart Disease 

The risk factors for developing vein disease and heart disease are similar and include: 

  • Family history: Genetics play a major role in disease development. 
  • Age: The older we get, the more likely we are to develop varicose veins and heart disease. 
  • Gender: Varicose veins affect women more than men due to hormones like progesterone and estrogen.  
  • Body Mass Index (BMI): Being overweight adds strain on the veins and heightens cholesterol. 
  • Pregnancy: Increased hormones and putting on weight during pregnancy can also add strain to the veins. 
  • Prolonged sitting: A sedentary lifestyle can lead to weight gain and a higher risk of vein and heart disease. 
  • Smoking: Smoking and vaping nicotine products increases blood pressure, leading to damaged veins and a higher risk of heart attack or stroke. 
  • Occupation: Having a job that requires you to sit or stand for long periods increases your risk of varicose veins. 

No matter the risk factor, it’s important to understand them so that people at risk of varicose veins can take preventative action. If you have varicose veins and leave them untreated, they can lead to more serious complications. 

What Complications Are Associated with Varicose Veins? 

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If you have symptoms of varicose veins, consult with a vein specialist and have them assess your veins. If you don’t, you could be at risk of major health complications. Here are some examples of these complications: 

  • Venous ulcers: slow or non-healing leg wounds stemming from poor circulation and causing painful physical symptoms. 
  • Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): when a blood clot forms in the diseased vein and breaks off, traveling to the lungs and risking a pulmonary embolism. 
  • Superficial thrombophlebitis (ST): similar to DVT, but forms in veins closer to the skin’s surface and inflames the veins. 

If you are experiencing any symptoms of these conditions, you should see a vein specialist immediately. Only a vein specialist can determine the severity of these conditions and recommend the next steps. 

How These Complications Affect the Heart 

Complications of vein disease are not directly related to the heart, but varicose veins could develop a condition called supraventricular tachycardia (SVT). SVT is caused by abnormal electrical impulses in the heart and affects blood flow in the rest of the body. Symptoms include: 

  • Heart palpitations 
  • Dizziness 
  • Lightheadedness 
  • Fainting episodes 
  • Fatigue 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Chest discomfort 
  • Throat tightness 
  • Swelling   

Varicose veins and SVT treatment can help alleviate these symptoms. 

Will Treating Varicose Veins Improve Heart Health? 

Vein Ablation
Vein ablation

Vein disease and heart disease share similar risk factors and can affect vein and heart health. Varicose veins could create blood clots that can impact your heart, and heart disease can impact the oxygenation of blood that reaches vital organs. Treating varicose veins could help relieve people of vein disease symptoms, but other steps like improving circulation can help with overall vein and heart health. 

Ways to Improve Circulation 

Keep in mind varicose veins are progressive, meaning they only get worse over time and need treatment to prevent further complications. Lifestyle changes, however, can help improve circulation in the legs. Here are some tips for improving blood circulation: 

  • Maintain a healthy body mass index (BMI) 
  • Eat a well-rounded diet 
  • Exercise regularly 
  • Manage your blood pressure 
  • Get enough sleep 
  • Quit smoking if you’re a smoker 
  • Wear compression socks and keep your feet elevated 

Adding these lifestyle changes can alleviate some discomfort with varicose veins and improve overall health. While it helps alleviate symptoms, lifestyle changes don’t cure varicose veins. You should still schedule an appointment with a vein specialist. A vein specialist can better assess your vein health and discuss the next steps for you. 

When to Worry About Varicose Veins 

Some people are hesitant to see a doctor about their varicose veins for various reasons. It’s easy to pretend the problem doesn’t exist, but the progression of varicose veins is hard to miss. Early detection and treatment are key in alleviating symptoms and improving vein health. 

Types of Treatment for Varicose Veins 

At USA Vein Clinics, we offer multiple treatments for varicose veins. Our treatments are non-surgical, outpatient procedures with a short recovery time and are effective in alleviating vein disease symptoms. Our treatments include: 

If you are experiencing symptoms, see one of our experienced vein specialists to determine which vein treatment is right for you. We have 168 locations across the country and are determined to help you achieve better vein health.    

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Preventing Varicose Veins and Heart Problems 

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If you are prone to developing varicose veins and heart disease, whether it be genetics, age, or lifestyle choices, you take these steps in preventing vein and heart disease: 

  • Move around more frequently. If you have a job where you’re sitting most of the time, try taking breaks to move around and stretch your legs.  
  • Exercise regularly. We recommend exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, five days a week for maximum health benefits. 
  • Eat a balanced diet. Avoid foods high in sodium, added sugars, unhealthy fats, and cholesterol. Avoiding alcohol can prevent high blood pressure, which can impact vein and heart health. 
  • Quit Smoking. If you smoke and want to quit, talk with your doctor about smoking cessation options. 
  • Maintain a healthy weight. Maintaining a healthy body mass index (BMI) can reduce the risks of developing varicose veins and heart disease. 
  • Wear Compression Socks. They can boost circulation in the legs, ankles, and feet, and reduce the risk of varicose veins. 

Focus on Your Vein Health with USA Vein Clinics 

At USA Vein Clinics, we provide comprehensive knowledge on varicose veins and personalize treatment plans based on your needs. Our vein procedures typically last under one hour with a short recovery time, allowing patients to return to their normal activities immediately. Treatments are covered by most insurances, including Medicare and some Medicaid plans. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of vein disease, contact us for a full medical evaluation and personalized treatment recommendations at 888.768.3467. When you receive treatment for varicose veins, you reduce your risk of complications that affect your vein and heart health. 

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References: 

  1. L. A. Mäkivaara et al., “The risk of congestive heart failure is increased in persons with varicose veins,” Int Angiol, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20087281/  
  1. Naomi M Hamburg, “The legs are a pathway to the heart: connections between chronic venous insufficiency and cardiovascular disease,” European Heart Journal, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8530533/  
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