Varicose Veins Specialist

Varicose veins are common and considered more of a cosmetic issue than a health concern. But varicose veins are also a symptom of venous insufficiency, a circulation problem. At Heart, Artery, and Vein Center in Fresno and Madera, California, board-certified cardiovascular disease physician Sanjay Srivatsa, MD, and the team offer expert diagnostic and therapeutic solutions for varicose veins. To schedule an evaluation for varicose veins, call the nearest office or book an appointment online today. 

What are varicose veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged and swollen superficial (under the skin) veins. You can develop varicose veins anywhere on the body, but they most often affect the legs.

You get varicose veins when you have damage to the valves or walls in the vein. The valves in your veins open and close, helping push oxygen-poor blood back to the heart and lung. 

Damage to the walls or valves of your veins allows blood to flow backward and pool, causing the blood vessel to stretch and enlarge. In most cases, varicose veins aren’t dangerous to your health, but they may be a symptom of venous insufficiency.

Venous insufficiency is a circulation problem that causes blood to pool in the legs.

When should I have my varicose veins evaluated?

You should have your varicose veins evaluated when they first appear. Early care for varicose veins may prevent them from getting worse. 

You should also seek professional help for varicose veins if they cause symptoms such as:

• Leg pain
• Leg swelling
• Itching or burning sensation

Varicose veins may also put you at risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which is a blood clot that forms in a deep vein. If the blood clot breaks free from the vein, it travels to the pulmonary artery, leading to a pulmonary embolism (PE).

PE is a life-threatening condition that causes chest pain and shortness of breath.

When you visit Heart, Artery, and Vein Center for a varicose vein evaluation, the team conducts a complete medical history review and physical exam. They also perform a vascular ultrasound to evaluate circulation in your legs and look for signs of venous insufficiency.

What are the treatments for varicose veins?

The team at Heart, Artery, and Vein Center personalizes your varicose vein treatment plan. Initially, they may recommend lifestyle changes such as regular exercise and the use of compression stockings to improve circulation.

If your varicose veins fail to improve with conservative care, the team may recommend treatments such as:

Endovenous laser or radiofrequency ablation

Endovenous laser and radiofrequency are minimally invasive treatments that use thermal energy to irritate the enlarged vein, causing it to collapse and close. Your body reroutes blood flow through a healthy vein, and the enlarged vein disappears over time.

Sclerotherapy

During sclerotherapy, the team at Heart, Artery, and Vein Center injects an irritating substance into the varicose vein, causing the vein to collapse and close.

Phlebectomy

A phlebectomy is a minimally invasive surgery that removes the varicose vein.

To schedule your varicose vein evaluation, call Heart, Artery, and Vein Center or book an appointment online today.