Are varicose veins dangerous?
Varicose veins are extremely common and typically do not pose an immediate danger to your health… despite what other internet sources may make you believe. However, there are some complications of varicose veins that
Approximately 20-30% of Americans have varicose vein conditions. Both men and women can develop them over their lifetime, with a number of risk factors at play. Despite what other sources may say on the internet, varicose veins themselves are typically do not pose an immediate dange
Varicose veins tend to develop over a long period of time, and symptom onset is often insidious. Pain, fatigue, discomfort, swelling, and skin discoloration are classic examples of such symptoms. Their low intensity often leads to delayed recognition and diagnosis, and many patients have learned to deal with them for years without serious consequences. For these reasons, we tend to classify varicose veins as a chronic condition.
When can Varicose Veins be Dangerous?
However, there are several symptoms related to varicose veins that may threaten one’s health more acutely:
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- Bleeding. Some varicose veins may bleed due to thinning of the skin or accidental cuts. Bleeding from varicose veins can result in large amount of blood loss and immediate compression to the bleeding area and medical attention are needed to stop life-threatening blood loss.
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- Skin ulcers. Varicose veins can lead to venous stasis ulcers, which may worsen and cause larger wounds and leg infections.
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- Clotting. Varicose veins or underlying deep veins can form clots within them. These clots may migrate to more serious locations such as the lungs (see our DVT post), which can be life-threatening.
When do you need to see a doctor for your varicose veins?
Fortunately, most people with varicose vein do not present with serous medical emergencies. But even with chronic, annoying symptoms, it is never too early to seek expert opinion about your diagnosis and treatment options.