Treating a Variety of Vascular Conditions
Whether you're experiencing leg swelling, pressure in your ankles, feet, or calves, or you have poor circulation, rely on Viera Heart & Vascular Clinic to provide the vascular diagnosis and services you need. Learn more about the conditions we treat below or
contact us today to schedule your appointment!
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are twisted, swollen veins that lay under the surface of the skin. This is a common condition caused by weak or damaged valves and occur when blood pressure increases in the veins.
Edema (Leg Swelling)
There are a variety of conditions that can lead to chronic swelling of the legs, including congestive heart failure and lymphedema. Edema can cause a bluish or purple appearance on the legs where the blood pools and flows in the wrong direction. An ultrasound of the legs is required to diagnose edema.
Venous Stasis Dermatitis
Venous stasis dermatitis causes high pressure in the veins of the ankles, feet, or calves, and its appearance can range from a fine red rash to large dark brown patches of skin. This condition is a sign of advanced venous disease and, if left untreated, could lead to venous ulcers.
Venous Skin Ulcers
Venous skin ulcers are caused by poor blood circulation resulting from venous insufficiency. Veins have one-way valves that continue the blood's flow toward the heart. If you have venous insufficiency, the valves have been damaged from pressure in the veins, which may cause blood to flow backwards and leak out of the vein into surrounding tissue. This can result in the breakdown of the tissue, resulting in an ulcer. A number of factors can increase your risk for venous skin ulcers, such as smoking, obesity, excessive standing, diabetes, and a sedentary lifestyle.
DVT
The deep veins of the extremities are within the muscles. Deep venous thrombosis (DVT) is clotting in the deep veins, which is a serious condition that can lead to major disability or even death if the thrombus migrates to the lungs and obstructs flow, causing pulmonary embolism.
A small thrombus (clot) in the small vein of the calf can be treated with close observation, oral medication, elastic compression hose, and frequent walking or exercise. If you're at risk for more extensive thrombus, you'll be started on injectable and oral anticoagulant drugs immediately upon diagnosis to keep the thrombus from traveling into the larger deep veins.
If you're at high risk for DVT, you should have an ultrasound of the veins prior to any vein treatment. Without treatment, multiple episodes of clots could cause shortness of breath or heart failure.
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