Thread veins on the legs are a frequent concern for adults of all ages, appearing as fine red, blue or purple lines just beneath the surface of the skin. They often develop around the thighs, knees, calves and ankles, sometimes forming branching networks that become more noticeable over time. Although thread veins are generally harmless,…
Living with varicose veins does not mean giving up exercise, work, travel or the activities you enjoy. Regular movement is generally beneficial because the muscles in the legs help return blood towards the heart. There are, however, certain habits that can increase venous pressure, make aching and swelling more noticeable or contribute to problems with…
Varicose veins do not always develop directly within one of the main superficial veins of the leg. Many of the raised, winding veins visible beneath the skin are tributary veins, smaller superficial veins that branch from larger veins within the venous system. These tributaries can become enlarged when their valves stop working properly or because…
Menopause brings changes throughout the body. Hot flushes, disrupted sleep and changes in menstrual cycles are widely recognised, but some women also notice changes in their legs and veins during perimenopause and after menopause. Existing varicose veins may become more noticeable, or symptoms such as aching, heaviness, itching and ankle swelling may appear for the…
The Countess of Chester Hospital has played an important role in developing vascular services in Chester, including newer approaches to treating varicose veins. This history is closely connected with Mr Sameh Dimitri, Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon and founder of Vein Solutions. One particularly significant development was the hospital’s participation in early European research into…
Blue or green veins visible across the breasts are common and, in most cases, are not a sign that anything is wrong. Breast skin can be relatively thin, which means the veins beneath it may naturally be more noticeable than veins elsewhere on the body. Their appearance can change throughout life. Hormonal fluctuations, pregnancy, breastfeeding,…
Finding time for medical treatment can be difficult when the working week involves meetings, deadlines, commuting, travel or long periods away from home. Varicose veins can create their own problems during the workday, particularly when aching, heaviness, or swelling becomes more noticeable after prolonged sitting or standing. For suitable patients, VenaSeal provides a minimally invasive…
Healthy circulation allows oxygen and nutrients to reach tissues throughout the body and helps remove waste products. Diet plays a part in cardiovascular health through its effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, body weight and blood vessel function. Certain foods contain nutrients and plant compounds associated with cardiovascular health, but it is important to separate general…
Large varicose veins can be particularly noticeable, but their size is only one part of the clinical picture. Prominent veins across the thigh, calf or behind the knee may be connected to an underlying superficial vein in which the valves are no longer controlling blood flow effectively. This is known as venous reflux. For suitable…
Small red, purple or bluish blood vessels can sometimes become visible around the eyes, particularly beneath the lower eyelid and towards the outer corners of the eye. Often described as broken blood vessels, spider veins or thread veins, these fine vessels are medically known as **telangiectasia**. The skin surrounding the eyes is particularly thin, which…