Long periods of travel or sitting are more dangerous than most people realize. Do you sit for long periods of time? Just like when traveling by plane or in other vehicles, it’s essential to move your legs, feet and ankles during these stages and it’s important to get up and take breaks. Walking around or doing a few leg exercises can help to recirculate the blood and get things flowing in the right direction.
Individuals with Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) have blood flow disruptions usually in the feet and legs, but it can also occur in the brain, arms, and heart. When the blood vessels are narrowed or damaged, the blood flow becomes obstructed, and other complications can coincide. Individuals with arterial disease due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries) often have peripheral vascular disease (PVD) as well. These conditions are interrelated with other blood vessel conditions like DVTs, varicose veins, pulmonary embolisms, and venous insufficiency are interrelated.
Long periods of sitting can exacerbate DVTs
DVT Symptoms:
• Prominent varicose vein
• Heavy aching legs
• Leg swelling
• History of a previous clot
• Family history of blood clotting
• No Symptoms
DVTs—Deep Vein Thrombosis
Every year, nearly one million people are affected by deep vein thrombosis, and sadly, approximately 100,000 of these cases end in death! These are grim statistics since the treatment is minimal and so readily available to patients. Along with the common indicators mentioned above, nearly half of the individuals affected by DVT have no symptoms at all. Unfortunately, the majority of these people do not realize that they have a medical issue until it’s too late.
DVTs are a blood clot that can form in the legs or arms. When a blood clot breaks free, it can travel to the lungs or brain and cause an embolism, which is when the thrombus or blood clot moves through the vessels or arteries. If it lodges in the lungs, it can cause death, and if it travels to the brain, it will cause a stroke, along with the probability of death. If you have any discomfort in your limbs, it’s imperative that you see a specialist.
Causes
When a veins’ inner lining is damaged, blood clots can form deep inside the vein by either trauma, biological, or chemical factors. Varicose veins are an indicator of deep vein thrombosis. When veins are impaired, they can lead to more severe health issues. A medical professional will be able to report whether or not your symptoms are superficial or unsafe and in need of restorative treatment.
Although it can happen to anyone, the most common factors that put you at risk for DVT are sitting for extended periods. If you drive long distances, travel by train, bus, or plane, or perhaps you’re deskbound at work, these lengthy episodes of sitting can all lead to deep vein thrombosis. Other causes are vascular malformations, pelvic tumors, a family history of varicose veins, smoking, being overweight, pregnancy, and an overall sedentary lifestyle.
Because the veins and arteries balance each other out, when a person experiences chronic symptoms, it’s critical to see a physician. If the veins are damaged, it’s not unusual that the arteries are not pumping blood efficiently either. DVTs and Chronic venous insufficiency can be fatal and must be treated to prevent further damage to your circulatory system and your overall health.
If you or a loved one has any of the venous symptoms or risk factors discussed above, you must seek medical attention immediately. Making an appointment with a vascular surgeon specializing in venous disease is critical.
Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons
The Vascular and Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons is one of the first and most respected vein clinics in Southwest Florida. Their surgeons, Dr. Abraham Sadighi, Dr. Michael Novotney, and Dr. Johan Escribano, have performed thousands of vascular and vein surgeries over the past 28 years.
They focus on diseases of the vascular system that can range from harmless but unattractive spider veins to dangerous conditions such as peripheral artery disease. Their caring and dedicated team will help you identify problems and offer the best treatment options for you.
The Vascular and Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons offer a fully equipped vascular lab and state-of-the-art Angio suite to provide a higher level of service and care for their patients. You’ll find comfort in knowing that they have a long-standing reputation for positive surgical outcomes that allow you to get back to healthy living.
Call the Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons today at (239) 344-7061 to make an appointment with a vascular surgeon who specializes in arteries and veins.
Vascular & Vein Center at Gulfcoast Surgeons
877-LEG-PAIN
gulfcoastsurgeons.com
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