When you hear the words “cardiovascular disease,” you may think of the heart and arteries. But veins, the blood vessels that return blood to the heart, are often overlooked. What’s more, varicose veins — a common condition in women — are often dismissed as a cosmetic problem. “In reality, varicose veins can cause serious complications, such as pain, swelling and, in advanced cases, skin ulcers,” said Dr. Adey Agbetoyin, a board-certified cardiologist.

When veins fail

A system of deep veins far below the skin and superficial veins closer to the surface carry blood back to the heart. But a variety of factors — including obesity, pregnancy, heart failure, high blood pressure, age and genetics — can cause the valves in superficial veins to fail and blood to pool, leading to varicose veins.

“If you have unsightly varicose veins, swelling in the legs, discolored skin, or feelings of cramping, heaviness, tingling or itching in the legs, it’s worth seeing a doctor for a simple, non-invasive ultrasound assessment,” says Dr. Agbetoyin. “This condition will not improve, but will likely worsen without treatment.”

Outpatient options

Wearing compression stockings may help mild cases of varicose veins. In most cases, however, medical intervention is needed to address the underlying cause of the veins you see on the surface. The older method of surgically stripping problem veins has largely been replaced by a catheter-based laser procedure performed within the vein.

“It’s a minimally invasive, quick, and effective way to close diseased veins,” Dr. Agbetoyin explains. “Blood flow is redirected to healthier veins, and you are up and returning to regular activities immediately after treatment. Follow-up treatment might include sclerotherapy, in which injected medication closes smaller, poorly functioning veins.”

Featured Doctor

Adey Agbetoyin, M.D. Cardiology

Dr. Agbetoyin is a board certified, invasive cardiologist who completed his fellowship training at Seton Hall University in Newark, N.J. He was chief resident of internal medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. Dr. Agbetoyin is a graduate of the Minsk State Medical Institute in Minsk, Belarus. He is a member of the American College of Cardiology.