Varicose veins: Seeking medical attention at an early stage is key

A common misconception about varicose veins is that they only affect middle aged women and are primarily a cosmetic issue. However one vein expert, Mr Eddie Chaloner is challenging this view and encouraging men and women to seek medical attention for the condition at an earlier stage.

“Around 40% of women will develop varicose veins as some stage of their life, while in men this figure is thought to be around the 25 per cent mark,” Mr Chaloner commented. “Men with varicose veins tend to visit their GP or a specialist at a later stage of the condition – usually when the veins are very painful or when they are starting to cause skin damage. By this stage they are at a higher risk of developing the worst vein problems, such as venous ulcers.”

Vein expert Mr Chaloner, who practices at BMI The Blackheath Hospital, BMI Chelsfield Park and BMI The Sloane Hospital observes, “Women are far more willing to seek an opinion about varicose veins right away – probably because of the cosmetic aspect. Men on the other hand will often wait until the problem becomes too painful to ignore and this can lead to skin damage or leg wounds, known as ulcers, that won’t heal as a result. Even fit and athletic men are susceptible to venous disease - the important thing is to seek an expert opinion on your varicose veins as soon as symptoms present themselves.”

Varicose veins develop when the small valves inside the veins stop working properly. In a healthy vein, deoxygenated blood flows smoothly to the heart and the blood is prevented from flowing backwards by the series of tiny one way valves that open and close to let blood through. However, when the valves weaken or are damaged, the blood can flow backwards and pool in the vein, causing it to be swollen and enlarged. Any vein in the body can become varicose, but they are most common in the leg because of the extra pressure put on this part of the body from standing and walking.

“Varicose veins are a medical issue and not solely an issue of vanity. If not dealt with at an early stage the condition will slowly deteriorate. The longer someone waits for treatment, the more extensive the condition becomes and resulting treatment is more troublesome.”

For more information, visit bmihealthcare.co.uk/varicose-veins