Some changes in the heart and blood vessels normally occur with age, while others are modifiable through lifestyle interventions. Structural changes such as vascular stiffening and mechanisms responsible for injury repair become increasingly defective with age.
Phlebitis and varicose veins are two examples of venous dysfunction that can occur in the later decades of life. Phlebitis means inflammation of a vein and is caused by injury to the vein. Thrombophlebitis, a type of phlebitis, is inflammation of the vein caused by a blot clot, which can lead to more serious complications.
If you are elderly, female, lead a sedentary lifestyle, smoke, or have diabetes, your risk of developing phlebitis increases. Interestingly, having varicose veins also increases your risk of developing phlebitis.
Varicose veins, a term referring to veins that have become enlarged and twisted, appear as blue bulging blood vessels most commonly in the legs. As we age, veins lose their elasticity and stretch, leading to weaker vein valves that sometimes allow blood to move backward, instead of toward the heart.
Varicose veins can lead to phlebitis when the stretching of the vein wall jeopardizes the integrity of the inside lining and lends to swelling and inflammation. Similarly, the poor integrity of varicose veins can predispose these veins to thrombophlebitis, or a tender hard knot within the vein wall.
While some aspects of our cardiovascular health are out of our control, the majority of risk factors can be controlled, treated, or modified. Below are some lifestyle and diet interventions that can impact the health of your veins and heart:
If you suffer from varicose veins, phlebitis, or thrombophlebitis, it is imperative to work with your primary healthcare provider to ensure you are maintaining optimal health.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3223374/
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/phlebitis#1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4623731/
http://www.phlebology.org/patient-information/faq
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0011906/
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0102695X15001003
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