Study Suggests Link Between Varicose Veins and Blood Clots

Varicose veins may look ugly, but the fact is, these diseased veins aren’t just a “cosmetic problem.” Varicose veins can also be associated with more serious medical problems, and one recent study showed just how serious these bulging veins can be.

Varicose Veins and Blood Clots

Published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, the Taiwanese study looked at a whopping 425,000 people diagnosed with varicose veins. The goal: Determine if a link exists between varicose veins and the risk of developing blood clots or clot-related conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT). To make it easier to evaluate any potential link between varicose veins and clot risk, the researchers excluded patients who had a previous diagnosis of blood clots and related diseases (including DVT, peripheral artery disease (PAD) and pulmonary embolism (PE)).

At the conclusion of the study, the researchers found that men and women who had been diagnosed with varicose veins prior to the study had a “ significantly increased risk” of developing deep vein thrombosis compared to the general population. The researchers said additional research is needed to determine if varicose veins cause or contribute to clot development or if the two conditions share a similar underlying cause. The primary “takeaway” from the study: Varicose veins are clearly more than just a cosmetic concern, and patients who have varicose veins need to be evaluated early and closely monitored to ensure they don’t develop more serious issues like DVT.

Similar Roots

Although a direct link between varicose veins and blood clots remains to be identified, both conditions can develop when normal, healthy circulation is interrupted. Both conditions cause blood flow to "slow down;" in blood clots, narrowing vessels make it more difficult for blood to pass through the vessels, resulting in slowed flow, while in varicose veins, damaged valves prevent blood from flowing normally, causing blood to "pool" behind the valves, causing bulging and other visual signs.

While varicose veins on their own haven’t been linked with life-threatening complications, the fact that these veins could serve as a visible " early warning" sign of a more serious underlying condition, like clots in the deeper veins, means it’s extremely important to have the veins evaluated carefully when they first appear. Early diagnosis and treatment of varicose veins could play an essential role in preventing blood clots and their complications.

Are you at risk for blood clots?

As a top provider of Las Vegas vein treatment, the Desert Vein Institute offers state-of-the-art care for men and women with varicose veins and other vascular diseases and conditions. From laser vein treatment to sclerotherapy and more, the team at the Desert Vein Institute custom-tailors each treatment to suit the unique needs of the individual person. so each patient can enjoy optimal results. If you have varicose veins or spider veins or if you’d like to learn steps you can take to prevent diseased veins from developing, take the next step and call the Desert Vein Institute at 702-726-9709 to schedule a consultation and evaluation today.