Consider Relationship of Stroke And Varicose Veins
While varicose veins are somewhat common in the United States, they are mostly considered to be a cosmetic problem, however there have been cases showing a link between a stroke and varicose veins. It is considered rare that varicose veins can culminate in a total blockage of blood flow it is something that a person with varicose veins should consult on with their physician.
Varicose veins affect about 15 percent of men and 25 percent of women in America, usually affecting the lower legs and feet. It is the potential for coagulation of the blood that may connect stroke and varicose veins, especially in persons with a congenital heart condition known as patent foramen ovale. This is a condition in which blood in the heart may flow between the right and left atria as well as left to right.
A possible symptom precipitating stroke and varicose veins is deep vein thrombosis, which is a blood clot in a deep vein, usually in the leg. While the location of the blood clot is usually not apparent, symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling, pain and redness of the leg.
Surgical Need Hinges On Patient's Health
In patients whose medical history shows them predisposed as a candidate for a stroke and varicose veins are rampant, a physician will generally begin some form of non-surgical treatment such as water therapy and allowing less pressure on the feet by going barefoot. Some may advocate certain exercises, but there is a lack of clinical proof that this has shown improvement. Surgical socks to apply pressure may help in alleviating discomfort and topical anesthetics may help relieve itching.
In some patients, vein stripping may be needed to remove the varicose vein. During which the vein is completely removed and in rare cases an artificial vein is used as a replacement. This will re-establish the blood flow and reduce the risk of stroke and varicose veins that were visible will be gone. While some veins may be replaced, others are simply removed in areas where the blood flow can be rerouted.
Additional surgical procedures using laser therapies and foam sclerotherapy have begun to be used, but they have not been in practice for any length of time to allow for diagnosis of long-term effects. Recurrence rates of varicose vein surgery is still unpredictable, with the exception of vein stripping, ranging from five to 60 percent.
