Obesity is a complex issue, and many factors — diet, lifestyle, underlying conditions, genetics, and social environment — contribute to weight gain. Being overweight can increase your risk of developing diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery disease, and stroke. Research shows that overweight individuals are 1.5 times more likely to develop peripheral artery disease.
Here at Vascular Specialists, our experienced team of vascular surgeons diagnose and treat a variety of vein conditions, including varicose veins and peripheral artery disease, at our Vein Care Institute. Here, we explore the link between your weight and vein problems and shed light on what you can do to find relief from those vein problems.
Your circulatory system is composed of blood vessels, which carry blood to and from your heart. Arteries and veins both carry blood, but they differ in which direction it’s flowing. Arteries carry blood away from the heart, while veins carry blood back toward the heart.
Special one-way valves in your veins open and close to help your blood continue toward your heart. Problems can develop with your veins when these valves become damaged.
For instance, if a valve doesn’t operate effectively, blood flow may be reduced. This can lead to your blood flowing backward and pooling in your veins, which increases the pressure on the walls of your veins. When this happens, it’s called chronic venous insufficiency.
Chronic venous insufficiency is frequently associated with varicose veins — twisted, bulging veins that develop near the surface of your skin. Other symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency include pain in your legs, swelling in your legs or feet, leg cramps, feelings of heaviness, and itchy, restless legs.
Anyone of any weight can develop vein problems — including chronic venous insufficiency, peripheral artery disease, or varicose veins — but if you’re overweight, you’re more likely to see these conditions.
Just as standing on your feet for prolonged periods puts stress on your veins, so does excess weight. It can add pressure on the valves in your veins, and if those valves fail, you’re more likely to see the blood pooling and twisted veins associated with varicose veins.
Even if you can’t see varicose veins, it doesn’t mean they’re not developing. Excess body fat may hide varicose veins near the surface of your skin. Untreated varicose veins can cause achiness, but it can also increase your risk of unwanted complications like deep vein thrombosis or ulcers.
Physical activity and regular exercise help support your circulatory system. They can also help you maintain a healthy weight.
Walking is especially good for your veins because the action of walking contracts your calf muscles, which then squeeze your blood vessels, encouraging the blood flow back to your heart. Walking is also a low-impact exercise, which makes it easier on your joints. Other good exercises for weight maintenance and vein support include:
Physical activity doesn’t just include exercise. It includes movements throughout the day. If you sit at a desk or stand on your feet for work, consider taking a five-minute break every hour just to stand up, stretch, and walk around the office to get your blood flowing again.
In addition to getting more physical activity in your daily routine and following a balanced diet, it’s important to treat vein issues before complications develop. If you’re concerned about your vein health, call the office of your choice 一 in Tinley Park or Evergreen Park, Illinois. Alternatively, request an appointment online.
