Blood/Circulatory System

What Is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)?

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which blood clots form in a vein deep within the body. The word thrombosis means forming a blood clot. The clot itself is called a thrombus. A blood clot is a jelly-like mass of congealed blood. Clotting is the normal way the body stops bleeding and begins healing following injury.

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What Causes Deep Vein Thrombosis?

Veins are thin-walled blood vessels that carry blood from the body tissues back to the heart. In order to move the blood from the legs toward the heart, the leg muscles squeeze the deep veins, forcing the blood upward. Deep vein thrombosis is the result of three principal factors (described by Dr. Virchow in the

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How Are Varicose Veins Diagnosed?

Physicians use a variety of techniques to diagnose the severity of varicose veins. A simple test called the Trendelenburg test, in which the leg is raised above the level of the heart at a 45 degree angle until the veins are emptied, then quickly lowered. When you stand up, varicose veins, if present, become distended

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What Complications Can Varicose Veins Cause?

In most cases, varicose veins cause few symptoms, however, occasionally, they may cause complications associated with the condition. Bleeding Phlebitis Leg ulcers Bleeding The thin-walled varicose veins protrude just under the skin. Bumping or scratching a large varicose vein may cause severe bleeding. Varicose veins bleed more than healthy veins because of abnormally high pressure

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How Are Varicose Veins Treated?

Treatment for varicose veins depends on the type of veins to be treated and the root cause of the problem. Patients seek treatment either for purely cosmetic reasons, or because of uncomfortable symptoms such as aching and heaviness in the legs, or because in the late phase of the condition, they are getting skin damage

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How Can Varicose Veins Be Prevented?

Most people can reduce the risk of developing varicose veins, or lessen the severity, by practicing the following behaviors suggested below. The same applies to preventing its reoccurrence following treatment. How-To Information: Preventing Varicose Veins Exercise regularly. Take 30-minute or longer walks several times a week or participate in other exercises, such as bicycling or

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Varicose Veins During Pregnancy

Many women develop varicose veins during pregnancy. In fact, it has been estimated that as many as 40 percent of all pregnant women suffer from varicose veins. There are three main causes for the development of varicose veins during pregnancy: The principal cause is the hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy. Increased levels of the

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