Varicose veins in Healthy Magazine

Varicose veins in Healthy Magazine

Information on varicose veins with expert advice from Professor Whiteley is featured in the September edition of Healthy Magazine

Expert advice from Professor Whiteley in Healthy Magazine

Who is affected by varicose veins?

Varicose veins affect 1 in 3 people. This means that up to 30% of men and women in the United Kingdom have varicose veins or ‘hidden’ varicose veins.

People tend to think that women are more likely to suffer with varicose veins but this is in fact false. In general, women are better at seeking medical advice and men tend to avoid going to the doctors. This has made it appear that women suffer with varicose veins more than men. In short, varicose veins affect both the sexes equally.

What are the obvious signs and symptoms of varicose veins?

Early diagnosis of varicose veins means simpler and less expensive treatment plans.

Most people associate varicose veins with the bulging veins they see underneath the surface of the skin. However, you may have varicose veins even if you cannot see them. These are called ‘hidden’ varicose veins.

Signs that indicate you may have ‘hidden’ varicose veins :

• swollen ankles or legs
• aching and restless legs
• thread veins or spider veins
• itching legs
• eczema on the lower legs
• brown staining on the lower leg / ankle
• hardness of the skin and tissue
• leg ulcers
• *a family history of varicose veins

*a family history of varicose veins makes it likely that you will too but doesn’t necessarily mean that you will go on to develop them.

Thread veins & spider veins are an indicator of ‘hidden’  varicose veins

What to do if you think you have varicose veins

If you think you have varicose veins, the first step is to have a Duplex Ultrasound scan by a specialist experienced in vein treatments to identify any underlying, hidden varicose veins.

If you would like to read the full article, Healthy Magazine is available to buy at Holland & Barrett stores throughout the UK