Could Leg Vein Problems Be a Threat to Your Health and Quality of Life?

Start finding out—Answer this sample self-questionnaire and attend a free seminar

Did you know one in every three Americans over age 45 has some kind of vein disease? This is according to the American Venous Forum (AVF), a group dedicated to improving the care of patients with venous and lymphatic disease.

“Vein disease is often overlooked as an important part of your circulatory health,” said Gabriel Herscu, MD, a vascular surgeon who practices with Washington Township Medical Foundation and is on the medical staff at Washington Hospital. “It occurs most often in the legs and ranges from small spider veins to chronic vein disease that can greatly affect a person’s daily life.”

Dr. Herscu will lead a free community seminar about varicose veins and chronic venous disease on Tuesday, February 23, from 1 to 3 p.m. in the Conrad E. Anderson, MD, Auditorium of the Washington West building near Washington Hospital in Fremont. For more information or to reserve your spot, go online to whhs.com/events then select February 23 on the calendar. Or, call 800.963.7070.

Dr. Herscu explained that your veins are critically important because they carry blood from different parts of your body back to your heart. As you age, problems with your veins, such as venous insufficiency or reverse venous flow, can develop. Although venous insufficiency may be merely uncomfortable, annoying, or cosmetically disfiguring, severe venous disease can have serious consequences. At the seminar, you will learn about the causes and symptoms of leg vein disease, as well as minimally invasive office-based treatments that are currently available.

“One problem I see in the community is that people may go to a vein clinic to have cosmetic treatment for unsightly leg veins, but they don’t address the possibility of a more serious underlying problem that could lead to prolonged medical difficulties and even disability,” observed Dr. Herscu.

He recommended that people with leg vein abnormalities consider seeing a vascular specialist who can detect potential problems that might otherwise be missed.

If you wonder whether you might have leg vein problems, the following questions could be the first step in helping you determine the answer.

• During the past four weeks, how often have you had leg problems, such as heaviness, aching, or swelling; night cramps; sensations of heat or burning; restless legs; throbbing, itching or tingling?
• At what time of day is your leg problem most intense?
• Compared with one year ago, how would you now rate your leg problem in general?
• Does your leg problem limit you in certain activities? If so, how much?
• During the past four weeks, have you had any problems with your work or other regular daily activities as a result of your leg problem?
• During the past four weeks, to what extent has your leg problem interfered with your normal social activities with family, friends, neighbors or groups?

These questions are part of a more extensive, validated Quality of Life Questionnaire Dr. Herscu gives to his patients with possible leg vein problems. The full questionnaire, including a way to calculate your Quality of Life score, will be available at the upcoming seminar on February 23.

During the past 20 years, treatment for vein disease has changed significantly. What used to require a major surgical operation can now be done in the doctor’s office.

“Many office-based, minimally invasive procedures are as effective as surgery without the post-operative pain and have fewer complications,” reported Dr. Herscu.

Today, vein disease can often be treated during several short office visits. In addition, because the procedure is far less risky, many people who were previously unable to have vein surgery because of other medical problems can now be treated.

Learn more.

To learn more about vein disease, its causes, symptoms and treatments, come to the free Health & Wellness seminar on February 23. To register, go online to whhs.com/events or call 800.963.7070. To find out more about Washington Township Medical Foundation, go to www.mywtmf.com. For more information about Washington Hospital, visit www.whhs.com.