Varicose veins: don't tie your circulation in knots. Follow our tips!
Did you know that the entire path of blood through the arteries (from the heart to the smallest vessels) is responsible for keeping our body’s circulatory system functioning properly?
To better understand: when this blood flow is reduced or prevented from reaching a specific area—usually due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries—what we call poor circulation problems occur, such as the development of varicose veins.
According to data from the Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery in Rio de Janeiro, it is estimated that 18% of the adult population has varicose veins, and in Brazil alone, it is estimated that more than twenty million people have this condition. According to the Ministry of Health, women are more prone to varicose veins than men due to hormonal factors related to pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause, as these appear to be linked to a greater tendency for veins to dilate.
In practical terms, varicose veins can be identified when the veins appear dilated, elongated, and twisted, with a greenish or bluish tint. In addition, they usually appear in the lower limbs, causing a sensation of heavy legs, pain, and swelling—not to mention that the progression of this condition may indicate more serious circulatory diseases, including pulmonary embolism and venous thrombosis.
Although vascular diseases are more common in the elderly, people with diabetes, those who are obese, and those with a family history of the condition, women are the most affected. This is due to the high levels of estrogen—a hormone produced by the ovaries—which can cause changes in the walls of the veins.
That is why it is important to follow the guidance of an angiologist—a doctor who specializes in treating blood vessel problems—because this specialist may recommend everything from compression stockings and medications to more invasive procedures, depending on each patient’s needs.
However, we know that blood circulation problems can’t be solved overnight. That’s why we’ve put together a list of habits to incorporate into your routine:
. Get regular exercise.
. Avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. Get moving!
. Try to rest with your legs slightly elevated at the end of the day. This simple action helps the heart pump blood more efficiently through the circulatory system and reduces the force of gravity that “pulls” the blood downward.
. Try massaging from your ankle toward your groin. That usually helps.
. Choose comfortable shoes.
. Avoid excessive salt in your diet, as it promotes fluid retention in the body and hinders proper blood circulation.
. Reduce your alcohol intake, since drinking large amounts of alcohol can damage your arteries and veins.
In any case, seeing a doctor is always the best way to determine the cause of the problem and begin the appropriate treatment.
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