Is There A Connection Between Stroke And Varicose Veins?

Although it is rarely heard, there have been cases showing a link between a stroke and varicose veins. While varicose veins are somewhat common in the United States, usually they are just considered to be a cosmetic problem. Rarely though, varicose veins can culminate in a total blockage of blood flow. This is something that a person with varicose veins should consult on with their doctor.

About15 percent of men and 25 percent of women in America suffer from varicose veins. They usually affect the lower legs and feet, although they can also affect the pelvic, abdominal and other parts of the body. It is the potential of coagulation of blood that may connect stroke and varicose veins. This is especially so in persons with a congenital heart condition known as patent foramen ovale. This is a condition where an opening in the heart allows blood to flow from the heart's right atrium to the left and vice versa.

One possible symptom precipitating stroke and varicose veins is deep vein thrombosis. It is a blood clot in a deep vein, normally in the legs. Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling, redness and pain of the leg although the location of the blood clot is usually not apparent.

Surgical Need For Varicose Veins

A doctor will generally begin some form of non-surgical treatment in patients whose medical history shows them predisposed as a candidate for a stroke and varicose veins are rampant. Such treatments may include water therapy, and going barefoot to allow less pressure on the feet. Some may promote certain type of exercises, but there is a lack of clinical proof that this has shown improvement.

Topical anesthetics may help relieve itching and surgical socks to apply pressure may help in alleviating discomfort for varicose veins patients.

Vein stripping may be needed in some patients to remove the varicose vein, where. the vein is completely removed. In rare cases, an artificial vein may be used as a replacement. This will restore the blood flow and decrease the risk of stroke and varicose veins that were noticeable will be gone. In areas where the blood flow can be rerouted, the veins can be simply removed.

Patients who are concerned about stroke and varicose veins should discuss this matter with their doctors as soon as they can, so that they can find a right treatment for their varicose veins before it gets worse.