Veins Disease In Senior Citizens
There are many disorders that come up with age, but one that isn’t discussed as much is vein disease. Venous insufficiency is a condition that often develops with age, but many seniors just think it’s part of “growing old.” Over half of people over age 50 develop varicose veins. Plus, senior citizens have a 50 percent higher chance of developing venous insufficiency, the condition that causes varicose veins. Circulatory problems in the legs are common among older people. In some ways it is simply part of aging, but there are other factors as well. In today’s post, we are going to discuss how vein disease affects senior citizens.
Age Related Causes:
Chronic venous insufficiency, or CVI, is a condition caused by the weakening of the valves of the veins in the legs. This can occur naturally simply because the valves break down, which is why it’s so prevalent in older people. As the veins weaken, they bulge and twist, eventually protruding from the skin, which is the condition known as varicose veins. Collagen is a primary component of vein walls and unfortunately, as we age , collagen production naturally declines. This causes the vein walls to become fragile and the valves of the veins are more likely to dysfunction, prompting blood to flow backward into the legs. The failing valves and pooling of blood in the veins leads to varicose veins, as well as feelings of heaviness and aches in the legs.
Other Contributing Causes:
Age is not the only cause. Vein problems in senior citizens tend to develop as a result of the combination of age and other factors, such as heredity and overall health or lifestyle. For example, people who sit or stand for long periods — such as nurses, restaurant servers and cashiers — are more prone to vein problems. By the time someone is a senior citizen, a lifetime in an occupation such as this can take a toll on their veins. Another reason that vein problems are common in older people is lack of mobility or a sedentary lifestyle. Health problems may make them less active, or they may have an increased risk of hospitalization that can keep them confined to a bed. This can also cause or exacerbate vein problems.
What You Can Do:
It is important for seniors to maintain a healthy lifestyle and to make any improvements they can to their daily routine to promote better physical health. Shedding excess weight can reduce the risk of vein problems, as can quitting smoking. It’s also important for senior citizens to stay physically active as they age. Even moderate exercise such as walking can help reduce vein problems. While many seniors may not be as active as they were in their younger years, they should still engage in whatever level of physical activity they can. Just because you are a senior, it doesn’t mean you have to just deal with your vein related leg symptoms. There are medical treatments available to alleviate your pain and discomfort.
It is important to note that vein problems aren’t exclusive to senior citizen. In fact, people of all ages can develop varicose veins and other vein problems, with genetics playing a large role in determining who is affected.
If you’re suffering from varicose veins, leg pain, cramping, heaviness or any other vein related problems, book an appointment today with Alpha Vein Clinic, the experts in vein health. Dr Sassan Kaveh and his knowledgeable staff can diagnose your condition and create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Let Alpha Vein Clinic help you get your legs feeling young again!
Alpha Vein Clinic
3150 N. Tenaya Way Ste. 400
Las Vegas, NV, 89128
(702) 430 7661
Dr. Sassan Kaveh
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