Comprehensive Guide: What are Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are dilated, tortuous vessels that have lost their primary function of returning blood to the heart. Far more than an aesthetic issue, they represent a sign of chronic venous insufficiency that requires specialized medical evaluation.
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Rafael Henrique Rodrigues Costa
Why do varicose veins form in the legs?
Resumo: Blood must flow upward from the legs to the heart against gravity. Veins have one-way valves to achieve this. When these valves fail due to genetics or age, blood refluxes and pools, dilating the vein walls.
Chronic venous insufficiency occurs when vein walls weaken. Risk factors include family history, a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, and multiple pregnancies. The gold standard for diagnosis is the Venous Duplex Ultrasound.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can varicose veins be cured?
Venous insufficiency is a chronic condition without a definitive cure, but it has highly effective treatments. Regular specialized follow-up and lifestyle changes are essential for long-term control.
