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Will My Vein Care Needs Change as I Age?

elderly woman rubbing her legs looking at veins
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Understanding Changes in Your Vein Care Needs

Our veins are part of our cardiopulmonary system, along with the heart and lungs. As we age, this system begins to change; the walls of your heart tend to thicken and your heartbeat tends to weaken. Your arterial walls become less stretchy, making them less able to adjust to changes in blood pressure.

This means that as you age, you should keep a close eye on your veins, especially if you have a diagnosed vein issue. Here’s what you should know.

Common Vein Conditions That Come With Age

While adults of any age can develop varicose and spider veins, these two vein conditions often come with age. This is because the primary cause of varicose veins is damage to your vein valves. As we get older, the one-way vein valves that keep blood from flowing backward lose their elasticity and strength. Over time, increased pressure due to the amount of blood within the vein builds up, resulting in bulging varicose veins.

Symptoms of a Vein Issue

Studies show that of the roughly 20 percent of U.S. adults who have varicose veins, 22 million women and 11 million men between the ages of 40 and 80 suffer from the condition. Common symptoms of varicose veins include:

  • Aches and pain
  • Leg cramps
  • Heaviness, itching, and burning
  • Restless legs
  • Ankle swelling
  • Tiredness and fatigue
  • Throbbing skin
  • Changes in skin color
  • Skin ulcers

In addition to the swelling, discomfort, and the inability to complete daily tasks, untreated vein conditions can lead to a more significant issue. If you believe you may have a vein condition, you should seek treatment as soon as possible.

Treating Your Age-Related Vein Issues

In some instances, patients with varicose veins may experience episodes where their veins clot, causing phlebitis. If this condition progresses, it can cause deep vein thrombosis Additionally, swelling will begin to occur if patients leave their varicose veins or spider veins untreated. Chronic swelling will eventually result in discoloration of the skin of the lower leg and ankle, leading to a venous ulcer.

At Albert Vein Institute, we’re here to support your vein health as you grow older, as well as eliminate the appearance of varicose veins and spider veins.

Diagnose and treat your vein issues today at Albert Vein Institute. Contact us at (303) 857-5111 or fill out our contact form.

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