What Your Veins Could Be Saying About Your Health

Veins are a part of your body's circulatory system. They are responsible for returning deoxygenated blood back to the heart and lungs. Problems with the veins and circulatory system are common, especially with increasing age. If you notice any of the following symptoms, your veins could be telling you important information about your health. Because your veins are literally connected to every part of your body, it’s important to keep them healthy, and know how to spot when something may be wrong.

Varicose veins are similar to spider veins in that they are reddish or bluish in color and close to the surface of the skin. Some people do not have any other symptoms associated with varicose veins, but others might have aches, throbbing or discomfort. In some cases, varicose veins can lead to more serious symptoms such as uncontrolled bleeding after an injury or the development of skin ulcers. In these cases, medical treatment is necessary. Laser care early in the development of varicose veins can help to prevent them from growing large or causing pain. According to the doctors at the Sheen Vein Institute, endovenous ablation laser therapy (ELT) does not cause scarring or long term pain. Along with being a non-invasive procedure, ELT also has a 98% success rate.

If your hands are blotchy and red, it could be a sign of palmar erythema, a symptom of early liver disease. PE develops as the liver becomes less capable of filtering out waste products from the blood, which causes veins to swell. Along with blotchy, red hands, the veins in the abdomen and torso will also become more visible.

However, liver disease is not the only cause of red palms or palmar erythema. It is possible that PE may simply have genetic roots, and is not a cause for alarm. Women who are pregnant may also develop PE symptoms due to the effects of hormones and stress during pregnancy. As always, if you have any questions, it is best to consult your doctor.

Purple splotches, also referred to as purpura, are caused by blood that is leaking under the skin. This could be a sign of a vein that has been damaged from trauma such as a fall. Bleeding disorders, vitamin C deficiency, sun damage and thinning skin from old age can also cause the development of purple splotches. Overuse of medicines such as aspirin and ibuprofen can also cause it. You can avoid the purple splotches by taking a multivitamin, using sunscreen and only using over-the-counter medications when necessary.

Deep vein thrombosis, or DVT, is the development of a blood clot deep in the veins, usually in the legs. DVT can be deadly if the clot gets loose and travels to the lungs or heart. A clot that travels into the lungs can cause a pulmonary embolism, blocking blood flow into the lungs and preventing your body from acquiring oxygen. DVT symptoms include hardness, throbbing and hotness of the leg. If you develop any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. If you experience a sudden onset of shortness of breath, chest pain that worsens when you take a deep breath, rapid pulse, fainting, or coughing up blood, you may be experiencing a pulmonary embolism. You should seek help immediately.

Regular movement and quitting smoking reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. DVT occurs when a blood clot develops deep within the body—most often the legs. Moving and exercising regularly, as well as keeping a healthy diet, reduces the risk of developing DVT. However, even with regular exercise, it is important meet with a doctor regularly for a physical checkup. Environmental and genetic factors can contribute to DVT as well, so it’s important to keep an eye on your health.

If you have a painful area of a vein, it is important to have your doctor check it. Your doctor can tell you whether you have a harmless condition or whether further testing or treatment are necessary. Paying close attention to the health of your veins can help you to get essential care for serious health conditions.