Demanding jobs that involve standing all day, and the frequent leg swelling—or even venous disease—that results from them. These are problems that trouble many people, especially women. The new project www.krecove-zily.cz presents the first truly comprehensive online resource devoted to the topic of varicose veins. It focuses on their cause, diagnosis, treatment and prevention. Here, not only patients but also the general public
and, of course, medical professionals will find the information they need.

 

 

Facts about varicose vein disease

  • Varicose veins are one of the most common conditions in developed countries – in various forms they affect  30–60 percent of people.
  • The occurrence of varicose veins is related to age –  children and adolescents are less affected, whereas among people over 60, as many as every second person already has varicose veins. 
  • Varicose veins affect women more often than men –   for every two affected women there is one affected man.

(Source: Herman J. Chirurgie varixů dolních končetin. 1st edition, Prague: Grada, 2003. 186 pp.)

Risk factors

Individuals with certain risk factors are particularly at risk of varicose veins. This issue should not be taken lightly, especially by women, people with high blood pressure, people with a family history of varicose veins, individuals who are overweight or obese, people who are required to stand for long periods, for example at work, and pregnant women.

 

When the patient doesn’t know what to do

You will usually notice varicose veins on your legs yourself. If you are still not sure whether varicose veins are, or could become, a problem for you, besides the information you need, you will also find an advice center here. There you can put your question to an expert. You can also use the discussion forum, where you can share your problem or experience with other visitors to the website.

 

Ten Rules for Healthy Legs

The development of varicose veins can be influenced to a large extent by lifestyle. It is important to follow especially these principles:

 

1.     Find time for physical activity every day.

2.     Avoid one-sided strain, such as long periods of standing or sitting.

3.     Keep your legs elevated.

4.     Do not sit with your legs crossed.

5.     Wear shoes with a lower heel.

6.     Do not wear clothing that is tight around the groin or knees.

7.     Take care of leg hygiene.

8.     Shower your legs alternating warm and cold water.

9.     Maintain an optimal body weight.

10.  Eat according to the principles of a healthy diet.

 

What are varicose veins

The venous system is a network of vessels whose basic function is to carry blood from the tissues and organs back to the heart. This is how it differs from arteries, through which blood instead flows into the tissues and organs. It begins with fine vessels called capillaries. These join together into veins. Much like a river with its tributaries, veins gradually widen as individual branches join in, eventually forming strong venous trunks that flow into the body’s two main and strongest veins – the superior and inferior vena cava. These then open directly into the heart. The terms varicose veins, varices, or venous congestion most often refer to sac-like, dilated, tortuous sections of the main veins of the superficial venous system of the legs and their tributaries.

 

 

For more information contact: MUDr. Tomáš Šebek, tomas.sebek@meditorial.cz, 604 592 738