Every woman wishes for great legs they can flaunt in tiny shorts and skirts whenever they feel like it. The greatest impediment to this freedom, however, is unattractive spider and varicose veins that make legs lose their aesthetic value and limit women from enjoying experimenting with short outfits. Not only do these veins look unattractive on legs, but they are quite painful as well. The good news is that modern medicine has enabled doctors to use the body's own healing mechanisms to amend the problem. Doctors can now employ the use of laser treatments and injections to provide quick relief to patients. What's more, these treatments can be addressed easily in a doctor's office and require short visits, and you can walk comfortably out of the doctor's office on your own.

How it works
Minimally invasive laser treatments and injections are used to collapse and then shrink the affected veins. Thereafter, the veins are then absorbed into the tissue that underlay this, and will bring a clear effect such that all the visible traces will be gone. The surrounding healthy veins will then take control and restore the normal circulation of the body. While there might be some little bruising noticed, it will only last temporarily.

Options available
Today the treatments for these veins are improved and what's more, the process is much more comfortable. This is unlike the past where thick, uncomfortable, elastic compression socks were used to relieve pain and the procedures involved a surgery where veins are stripped out of the leg and patients are put under anesthetics. The options that are available today include endovenous laser ablation where a map around the abnormal vein is created with ultrasound, a catheter inserted into the vein and a laser carefully passed through the catheter generating a controlled amount of heat that will seal the vein and redirect blood to the healthy vessels. There is injection sclerotherapy where a pharmaceutical liquid is injected into the vein that will cause the vessels walls to adhere and then seal shut and the blood instantly gets directed to healthier veins while the treated vein disappears. Laser sclerotherapy is reserved for tiny superficial veins and may not get injected.

While there is no cure for varicose veins, a doctor can prescribe post treatment instructions that will minimize the chances of a patient getting the veins again. Things like managing diet, exercise and good lifestyle choices are among them. Also routine monitoring is the key to preventing future reoccurrences.

Want Beautiful Legs? You Can Opt for Vein Removal Therapy

Varicose veins are enlarged and gnarly veins and they commonly appear in the feet and legs. They occur when veins get filled with blood and they are often red or bluish purple in color.

The main cause of varicose veins is the when the vein dysfunctions. Veins have valves in them that are supposed to keep the blood flowing forward, but if they fail to do so, blood in the vein starts to collect rather than continue towards the heart. Since the legs are furthest from the heart, varicose veins mostly affect the legs. Gravity, too, is a contributing factor as it makes it hard for the blood to flow up the vein.
Out of all the treatments available for varicose veins, sclerotherapy is the most effective.

What is sclerotherapy?
Sclerotherapy is a form of injection therapy that is designed to improve the way the varicose veins appear on your legs.

The Procedure
During the procedure, a solution called sclerosant is injected in the veins that scars and destroys the vein's internal lining which causes the blood to clot. After the solution is injected, pressure over the veins is applied to prevent the return of the blood as you stand up. Compression stockings are worn for maintaining the pressure.

After the Procedure
There is no prolonged recovery time for sclerotherapy. You can move around immediately after the procedure, but do not strain yourself too much. However, bed rest is not recommended as it might stress the vein. You probably have to keep wearing the compression stockings for a few days more.

Reasons for Choosing Sclerotherapy
Sclerotherapy is best for treating the following problems-
1. Small veins and spider veins that do not cause severe damages
2. Smaller varicose veins that might return even after vein stripping surgery (the surgical removal of the superficial saphenous vein with minimal incisions to treat varicose veins).
3. Larger varicose veins
4. Follow up to any other surgery to treat varicose veins

Risks involved
Sclerotherapy, like any other treatment, has certain risks. The risks include-
1. Skin discoloration
2. The varicose veins can still return after the treatment
3. Bruising, itching, blistering and pain in the treated area
4. Mild or severe allergic reaction to the solution (sclerosant) used
5. Blood clots in the deep vein system.

Varicose Veins: Using Sclerotherapy to Get Rid of It

Coronary Artery Disease - Symptoms and Causes

Coronary artery disease is the disease in which the major blood vessels (coronary arteries) that supply blood, nutrients and oxygen to your heart get damaged or disease stricken. It is mostly caused due to the coronary artery getting plagued or inflamed. The consequent reduction in blood flow to the heart causes the various symptoms of coronary artery disease like angina (chest pain), short breath etc.

Symptoms:

Here is a list of a few symptoms that help in identification of the coronary artery disease.

1. Angina

Pressure or tightness may be felt in or near the area of the chest that results in pain. It is mostly felt in the middle or left side of the chest.

2. Shortness of breath

Another symptom of coronary artery disease is short breath, fatigue and a feeling of exertion.

3. Heart attack

Complete blockage of the coronary artery results in a heart attack that is a prominent symptom of coronary artery disease. A person may feel heavy pressure in the chest, pain in the shoulder or arm, sweating etc. prior to getting a heart attack.

Causes:

Coronary artery disease occurs when damage or injury is done to the inner layer of the coronary artery. This damage causes plaque, which are deposits made of fat, cholesterol and other cellular waste materials to accumulate near the damaged area of the artery. This process is known as atherosclerosis.

The various causes that result in coronary artery damage are listed below.

- Smoking
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- High stress
- Physical inactivity

Knowing Coronary Artery Disease - Symptoms and Causes

Varicose veins is a medical condition where the veins become large and swollen and begin to appear so especially on the legs and feet though any vein can become varicose. This happens when the valves do not function properly and allow the blood to flow in the opposite direction or to pool. Due to this, the veins enlarge, and they begin to appear blue or dark purple on the skin. Legs and feet are the most commonly affected areas because standing or walking increases the pressure on the veins in the lower part of the body.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Apart from the twisted and bulging appearance like cords in blue and dark purple, varicose veins may include other painful symptoms as well such as-

Throbbing feeling and aching, heavy feeling in the legs.
Muscle cramping and swelling in the legs.
Severe pain after sitting or standing for a long period of time.
Bleeding varicose pains.
Treatment for Varicose Veins
In severe cases, varicose veins may rupture and form varicose ulcers on the skin. To avoid complications, it is best to get varicose veins treated before it worsens. Varicose veins can be treated in two ways- either by surgeries or by non-surgical methods, that is, by home remedies, medicines or non-invasive methods.

Surgical methods to treat Varicose Veins
Vein Stripping - Under general anesthesia, two cuts are made one below the groin and one behind the knee joint. The affected vein is then tied or clamped off at the top incision using a technique called vein ligation
Phlebotomy is another method where smaller incisions are made along the vein and using surgical instruments, the vein is pulled out.
Though treating varicose veins by surgeries is the most effective method, it involves several risks. Patients take a longer time to recover from surgeries than non-surgical methods. The sedation may cause complications. Chances of nerve injuries cannot be negated which may lead to fatal conditions such as deep vein thrombosis.

Non-surgical methods to treat Varicose Veins

Radiofrequency ablation is a method in which heat generated electromagnetic waves are used to close off the veins.
Endogenous laser ablation- in this case, lasers are used to close off veins.
Sclerotherapy is another method where a liquid or foam is injected into the affected vein to close it off.
Although big veins cannot be treated by these methods or additional treatments may be required, these methods are not only effective but also free from cuts and stitches or anesthesia. Performance of these treatments need not always take place in hospitals, special clinics can cure varicose veins using these methods. It is always advisable to consult doctors for treating varicose veins who can suggest the best treatment needed to cure varicose veins.


Surgical & Non-Surgical Treatment Options For Varicose Veins - Which Is Better?

Vascular disorders are disorders of the vessels in your body that carry either blood or waste products. The vascular system consists of the arteries (that carry blood away from the heart), veins (that carry blood to the heart) and lymph vessels (that carry waste products to be excreted from the body). The various diseases of the vascular or circulatory system are:

Peripheral Artery Disease: Peripheral arteries carry blood to the various organs and tissues in the body. Accumulation of cholesterol and fat in the vessels narrow the pathway for the blood to flow. This can impair blood flow to the tissues in the body and cause complications. Various medications used to lower cholesterol and blood pressure can also be used for peripheral artery disease.
Buerger's Disease: This disease causes obstructions in the veins and arteries in the legs. This can hamper blood supply in the toes and the feet. It causes pain and may require amputation in severe cases. Treatments for this disease include smoking cessation and medications to dilute blood vessels.
Aneurysm: An aneurysm is swelling in the blood vessel walls; it usually occurs in the aorta. The artery walls become fragile and are placed under a lot of stress; this may lead to a sudden rupture of the aortic vessels. This disorder is usually treated by surgical procedures.
Peripheral Venous Disease: Peripheral venous disease is characterized by damage to the valves that allows blood to flow in a single direction. Damaged valves can cause blood to flow backwards and therefore, accumulate. Treatments for this disorder are incorporating certain lifestyle habits such as quitting smoking and alcohol.
Blood clots in the veins: Blood clots may occur in the veins present inside the muscles of the thighs and lower legs which lead to deep vein thrombosis. You may be prescribed anti-coagulants, also known as blood thinners, to treat this disorder.
Causes
People with diseases such diabetes, high blood pressure, or kidney failure can be more likely to have vessel problems. Working with vibrating tools, being in cold temperatures, and smoking can worsen vascular problems. Causes of vascular disorders usually fit into one of 5 groups:

Traumatic, which occur after injury
Compressive, which occur when the pipes flatten
Occlusive, which occur when pipes are blocked
Tumors (growths) or malformations (deformed, tangled pipes), which may or may not be present at birth
Vessel spasms, which occur when abnormal control of vessels causes them to narrow
Symptoms
Symptoms of vascular disorders can include:

Pain
Abnormal color changes in the fingertips
Ulcers or wounds that do not heal
Hand problems when in cold temperatures or locations
Numbness or tingling of the fingertips
Swelling
Cool or cold fingers and/or hands

5 Common Vascular Disorders

Formation of blood clots in the arteries of the lungs, heart or legs can actually kill a person. In such a case, the immediate medical action is necessary and the only way to deal with blood clots is thrombolysis.
Thrombolysis or thrombolytic therapy is a medical process that dissolves blood clots and facilitates blood flow to all parts of the body. Thus, it protects tissues and muscles from damage.

What are the causes of blood clots in the body?

  Poor blood circulation
  Conditions such as Deep Venous Thrombosis and atrial fibrillation
  Blood clots can also be formed because of dialysis catheters and by-pass grafts

How can you tell if you have blood clots?

  Swelling in one or more legs
  Cramp and tenderness in the legs
  Breathing trouble might indicate that blood clots have travelled to the lungs
  Sweating and frequent chest pain may suggest that blood clots have travelled to the heart

How is Thrombolysis performed?

Thrombolytic drugs are injected into the body intravenously. They make their way to where the blood clots exist and dissolve them. If there is a medical emergency, the drugs are delivered to the exact location of the blood clots and immediately start dissolving them. Another method is inserting a device into the blood clot infested region to break the clots up. The drugs which on entering the body dissolve blood clots are called thrombolytics. There are many varieties of thrombolytics such as the following-

  Streptokinase - It is a kind of enzyme. It is used when a person has just suffered a heart attack or pulmonary embolism. Doctors do not usually prescribe the second usage of this drug. It is injected into a vein and can be administered to pregnant women.

  Tenecteplase - Also an enzyme, it is a plasminogen activator. When it binds to the surface of the blood clot, it makes the clot degenerate.

  Reteplase - It is actually extracted from E-Coli. It is a sterile intravenous bolus injection

The leading cause of heart attacks and ischemic heart disorder is the formation of blood clots in the arteries that connect the heart and the brain. Thrombolysis is often employed as an emergency treatment for this purpose. Thrombolysis is also effective against blood clots formed in the lungs (which lead to acute pulmonary embolism). Sometimes blood clots are formed in the legs, upper extremities of the body, the pelvic region (deep vein thrombosis). These clots may travel to the lungs and heart.

Consult your doctor before undergoing the treatment.

Thrombolysis - Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Of It!

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