Everyday Habits That Promote Vein Health

Written by Dallas Vein Specialists on April 11, 2015

We all know that veins such as spider and varicose veins are unattractive, but did you know that these veins can also have serious consequences for your health? That is why maintaining healthy veins is so vital. In this post, Dr. Lonnie Whiddon has outlined some everyday habits to either add or subtract from your daily routine in order to promote good vein health.

LIMIT ALCOHOL INTAKE

Since alcohol can cause your blood vessels to dilate, frequent drinking can aggravate vein conditions, specifically varicose veins. Immoderate alcohol consumption increases blood pressure, which is bad for your circulatory system. And excessive drinking can cause thread veins to develop on the face, particularly the nose, creating an effect known as “drinker’s nose.” Not only are these veins unattractive and hard to hide, they also carry a social stigma as they are related (sometimes erroneously) to heavy drinking.

MAINTAIN A HEALTHY WEIGHT

Excess weight will put more pressure on the legs and circulatory system, so it is helpful to your veins when you maintain a healthy weight. When a person is overweight, the veins have to work harder to send blood back to the heart, which also puts extra pressure on the valves and increases the chances of them leaking. Maintaining a healthy weight will lessen your overall risk of developing varicose veins, spider veins and DVT.

EXERCISE REGULARLY

Regular exercise improves circulation in the legs, which helps prevent varicose veins. In addition, exercise reduces blood pressure and strengthens the circulatory system. And since exercise builds muscle, which the veins rely on in order to function, the veins are further supported. Although any type of exercise is helpful for maintaining healthy veins, walking and swimming are especially effective. Gentle leg stretches, especially with the legs elevated above the heart, are also good exercises for proper vascular health.

QUIT SMOKING

Smoking contributes to high blood pressure, which is associated with the development of varicose veins. Smoking can also create a condition called “lower limb venous insufficiency,” where blood doesn’t flow properly and pools in the legs. It has also been found that smoking thickens the blood and reduces its oxygen content, which slows blood flow. These factors put smokers at a higher risk of developing venous disease, DVT and even a serious complication called pulmonary embolism, where one or more arteries are blocked by a blood clot.

Are you worried about the health of your veins, or do you have unsightly spider or varicose veins that you want to get rid of? Do you need a specialist to answer your questions on vein treatments? Call Dr. Lonnie L. Whiddon at (214) 221-9222 to find out how Dallas Vein Specialists can help.