Varicose Veins May Put Some at Risk for Dangerous Blood Clots

DOWNERS GROVE, Ill., March 5 /PRNewswire/ --

WHAT: March is DVT Awareness Month and Vein Clinics of America encourages people with varicose veins, particularly those that have become painful and inflamed, to visit a vein specialist.

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WHY: Varicose veins are not just unsightly; they may be a signal to potential serious health issues, such as dangerous blood clots.

Varicose veins, or enlarged, visible veins near the surface of the skin, are most commonly seen in the legs and ankles. Many people with varicose veins experience pain, swelling, heaviness, and fatigue in the legs. In some cases, the leg veins may become inflamed and painful – a condition known as superficial phlebitis. Sometimes phlebitis can be associated with superficial vein thrombosis (SVT). A recent study published in Archives of Dermatology indicated that 1 in 4 patients with SVT also had a DVT. (Binder B, et al. Association between superficial vein thrombosis and deep vein thrombosis of the lower extremities. Archives of Dermatology 2009; 145(7): 753-757.)

Given the potentially serious health risks associated with some varicose veins, people experiencing swollen, painful veins should seek professional consultation with a vein specialist or Phlebologist. The Phlebologists at Vein Clinics of America are specially trained to diagnose and treat vein disorders and can help people avoid more serious complications as a result of their varicose veins. Recent advances in medical technology have made the treatment of vein disorders safer and more effective.

WHO: J. Theodore King, MD, FACPh, Medical Director of Vein Clinics of America will be available to discuss DVT and the importance of diagnosing and treating varicose veins.

HOW: Visit www.veinclinics.com or call 1-866-617-VEIN to make an appointment today.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT DVT:

• There are approximately 600,000 new cases of DVT diagnosed in the US each year. Deep venous thrombosis mainly affects large veins that are deep inside the lower leg and thigh. DVT can be life-threatening if the clot breaks off, travels to, and lodges in the lung.
• Symptoms of DVT can include:
  • Changes in skin color (redness, but sometimes pale) in one leg
  • Increased warmth in one leg
  • Pain in one leg
  • Tenderness in one leg
  • Swelling (edema) of one leg
• Varicose veins can predispose an individual to superficial thrombosis which, if left untreated, can lead to deep vein thrombosis or post-thrombotic syndrome.
  • Symptoms of post-thrombotic syndrome may include persistent edema (swelling), pain, increased skin pigmentation, and ulceration.

VEIN CLINICS OF AMERICA:

Established in 1981, Vein Clinics of America, Inc. (VCA) currently operates a network of 34 offices located in 13 states. These vein practices provide specialized outpatient treatment for patients suffering from a number of vein disorders. VCA's current treatment options are alternatives to more invasive outpatient surgical procedures. The physicians of VCA specialize in treating a wide spectrum of vein abnormalities, including varicose veins, spider veins, venous leg ulcers, facial veins, hand veins, Klippel-Trenaunay Syndrome and Restless Legs Syndrome resulting from venous reflux. As part of its ongoing commitment to its physicians and the study of veins and venous disorders, VCA announced, in November 2009, its contribution of $150,000 over five years to the American College of Phlebology (ACP) Foundation. The grant is used to support research, education and growth initiatives in the field of phlebology.

VCA is a wholly-owned subsidiary of IntegraMed America, Inc, a leading manager of fertility centers and vein care practices in the United States. VCA is based in Downers Grove, IL with operations in Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia and Wisconsin and operates www.veinclinics.com, a leading vein care portal.

CONTACT: Nikki Kidd, +1-312-565-2183, [email protected], for Vein Clinics of America, Inc.

SOURCE Vein Clinics of America, Inc.