Usually, varicose veins aren’t dangerous, but if we ignore the problem, they can be last longer period of time which can leads to dangerous problems like deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism.
Deep vein thrombosis : It happens when a blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in your body. It can cause leg pain and swelling.
pulmonary embolism: This is a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include chest pain and shortness of breath.
superficial thrombophlebitis: which means you have a blood clot in your vein just under the skin. In most cases, this kind of clot won’t travel to your lungs. But it can cause severe, sharp pain along the surface of your vein and your vein may feel hardened and appear red.
If we experience an increase in swelling or pain in our legs, this may be a sign of a serious problem, especially if these symptoms come on suddenly.
Another sign of worsening symptoms is if your skin becomes discoloured, turns brown or red, and becomes hot or painful. A change in skin colour can be a result of chronic inflammation caused by the elevated pressure in your veins. Initially, it may appear red, but over several months, your skin could turn brown.
Most of the time, varicose veins aren’t a cause for concern. Besides the outward appearance of these veins, you may have other symptoms, such as:
Throbbing or aching in the area of the vein
- itching, burning around the vein
- dry, irritated skin
- leg heaviness and fatigue
- muscle cramping
- pain when you sit or stand for a long time
See your doctor if you’re concerned about your veins or if you can’t find relief from the discomfort they cause.
Seek medical attention if you notice any of the following in regard to your varicose veins:
- darker patches of skin, sores, or ulcers
- bleeding veins
- veins that are painful and feel hot
- persistent pain and swelling
If a blood clot breaks free and travels to the lungs, it can be potentially life threatening. Shortness of breath, which can be sudden or gradual, is the most common symptom of a pulmonary embolism. Other symptoms may include:
- chest pain
- dizziness, light headedness, or fainting
- feeling of anxiety
- irregular heart rate
- rapid pulse
- sweating
- coughing up blood
If you have shortness of breath, with or without any of the symptoms listed above we should consult a doctor
Prevention is better than cure. By following simple habits such as walking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, keeping a proper weight, and avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption, the disease can be managed. However, it cannot be permanently cured without proper medical supervision.