The recent news that US President Donald Trump was diagnosed with venous insufficiencyagain brought to the forefront a often undervalued, but extremely important circulatory disease. Although many consider it a superficial or aesthetic problem, venous insufficiency can cause serious complications if it is not diagnosed and treated early.
‘During the summer months, many people complain of Feeling weight, burning or light swelling in the lower extremities. These are symptoms that we often find and are due to changes in the normal functioning of the veins due to increased temperature or prolonged standing. However, in some cases, there may be venous insufficiency behind these discomfort – a chronic venous system that requires medical investigation and possibly treatment, “said Evangelos Nikolopoulos, director of vascular surgeon at Metropolitan Hospital.
“It is worth noting that similar symptoms may be due to other causes, such as Problems in the middle or general musculoskeletal strainespecially to those who follow a sedentary life, “he adds.
Misinterpretation of symptoms and the risk of devaluation
“A common mistake is the devaluation of symptoms as just aesthetic. The presence of ordered veins – known as varicose veins – under the skin, in the form of clear bumps, is often considered by weak surface problem. In fact, however, venous insufficiency is associated with Increased risk for the appearance of venous thrombosisa serious medical possibility that can occur even in young, active people, regardless of gender or age.
For this reason, any symptom that insists on being evaluated by a vascular surgeon is essential. Just as one does not ignore a stone in the bile or hernia, so are varicose veins treated as a disease that affects health and clearly not as a mere aesthetic problem, ”he says.
“Modern medicine now offers solutions for venous insufficiency that are effective, safe and minimally invasive. Methods such as intravascular laser, radio frequencies and the use of specific hardening substances can be applied on an external basis, without the need for general anesthesia or stay in the hospital. The operation lasts a little, is done with drunkenness and allows for immediate return to activities.
The effects of therapies are impressive, and the likelihood of reappearance of the problem has been drastically reduced in modern times. In addition, the minimally invasive nature of treatment makes candidates even older age patients, clearly improving their quality of life, ”the expert explains.
‘As in any vascular disease, so in venous insufficiency, prevention and lifestyle change play a decisive role. Physical exercise, avoidance of sedentary life, abstinence from smoking and maintaining normal weight are factors that protect the venous system. Heredity also plays an important role, which explains why some have a problem without obvious external causes.
Early diagnosis and modern treatment not only prevent serious complications, but offer weak solutions that rid them of discomfort and dangers, without pain or suffering and without abstaining from their daily lives, ”concludes Mr Nikolopoulos.