Varicose veins

Need to know

• Symptoms of varicose veins icon plus

  Varicose veins can be inherited or result from increased pressure in the veins, typically as a result of being overweight or pregnant.
  
  Although their appearance can be distressing, varicose veins may not cause any symptoms. But they can lead to serious complications:

  • Thrombophlebitis. A blot clot forming in one of your veins and blocking it.
  • Bleeding. If a varicose vein is cut or bumped, the resulting bleeding might become a medical emergency if it can't be stopped
  • Chronic venous insufficiency. Over time, the poor flow that has caused your varicose veins can also damage the way your skin exchanges oxygen and nutrients with your blood.

• Diagnosis icon plus

  Varicose veins easy for you to see but there are a number of diagnostic tests that can help you to find out what is happening in your veins and how they can be treated. Your HCA UK vascular consultant will discuss these tests with you. They might include:

  • An ultrasound scan to check blood flow and whether the valves in your veins are working correctly.
  • A Duplex ultrasound scan to identify abnormalities in vein structure and assess the deep veins for signs of DVT.

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  If you've been diagnosed with varicose veins, your HCA UK vascular consultant will discuss your treatment options with you. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, these might include:

  • Compression stockings can help blood flow back up to the heart. However, they won't prevent more varicose veins from developing.
  • Surgery to close off the affected vein. There are various techniques to do this, including endovenous thermal ablation, sclerotherapy (surgery) and endoscopic perforator vein surgery.
  • Vein ligation or stripping. A surgical to remove the affected veins through small cuts made in your leg.