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What is Vein Disease?

There are three types of blood vessels including arteries, veins, and lymphatics. The arteries are the largest of these and they carry oxygenated blood away from the heart to the various organs and tissues of the body. Smaller veins return the blood to the heart and lungs where it is again replenished with oxygen. Lymphatics recirculate the protein and fluid that leak out of veins and arteries back into circulation. Vein disease refers to any condition that reduces or blocks the flow of blood through these vessels.

Vein disease can occur anywhere in the body but it is most often in the legs. Often, a person who experiences the initial symptoms of spider veins or varicose veins will ask their primary doctor about their condition.

Only a board certified vascular surgeon in Bergen County has the skills and the in-depth knowledge of how the vascular system works to provide an accurate diagnosis and the most advanced treatment methods available today.

  • Spider Veins – Spider veins appear near the surface of the skin. They are named for their web-like appearance and may be red, blue, or purple in color. While these veins are most often considered a cosmetic problem, they may be an outward sign of other types of vein disease.
  • Varicose Veins – Varicose veins are those that are damaged, causing them to fill with blood and become enlarged and twisted. Symptoms may be mild to severe and include pain, aching, a feeling of heaviness, and swelling of the legs and ankles. Treatment from one of our top vascular specialists in Bergen County is the only permanent solution for varicose veins.
  • Deep Vein Thrombosis – The result of a deep vein becoming partially or completely blocked from a blood clot. DVT usually occurs in the lower calf of the leg. If left untreated, the blood clot can break loose and travel to the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary embolism which is life threatening. Seeing the vascular specialist in Hackensack for early diagnosis and treatment is essential.
  • May-Thurner Syndrome – A condition in which the left iliac vein narrows, increasing the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis.
  • Pelvic Congestion Syndrome – The development of varicose veins in the pelvis which often causes pain and discomfort of the pelvis.

Although spider veins and varicose veins are the most common forms of vein disease, these conditions can be signs that there are other, more serious conditions, in the veins below the surface. In addition, untreated varicose veins continue to grow more damaged, causing the risk of more severe forms of vein disease to increase.

Anyone who experiences symptoms of vein disease or who has a family history should make an appointment for an evaluation. At Bergen Surgical Specialists, we have one of the top vascular centers in Bergen County for the best in vascular care.

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