The majority of people do not think about their vein health. Most often, people first turn their attention to heart health, mental health, managing their weight, and so on. However, health of the veins is critical for circulation, mobility, comfort, and the overall quality of life. Recently, venous disorders have become more common. Venous disorders include chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and spider veins. These recent changes are the result of our changing lifestyle. As our lifestyle keeps changing, it is more important to understand the effects of these modern habits on vein health.
Understanding the Role of Veins in the Body
To understand the effect habits have on vein health, it is most important to understand the fundamental role of veins within the body. The primary role of veins is to return blood to the heart once it has delivered oxygen to the tissues. This is especially challenging in the legs as blood must move upward against the force of gravity. Two mechanisms help overcome these challenges. First, veins have one-way valves that allow blood to flow in one direction. Second, the contraction of surrounding muscles assists in the propulsion of blood upward as they engage during movement.
In the event that the valves become weakened or damaged, blood may begin to collect in the lower parts of the body. This causes an increase in pressure in the affected veins, leading to an elongation of the veins, and in some cases, an increase in visible twisting and pronounced bulging of the veins. After some time, an affected person may experience symptoms of swelling, heaviness, pain and, possibly, some changes in the coloration of the affected skin. The changes in modern lifestyles and activity levels may promote and accelerate the development of these symptoms.
The Increased Presence of Sedentary Lifestyles
Perhaps the most impactful lifestyle change that drives the development of poor vein health is prolonged periods of sitting. Remote work, office work, long drives, and increased screen time means that a large number of people have become very sedentary, i.e., they have become people who spend large amounts of time without any substantial physical movement or activity, or who are inclined to spend large amounts of time engaged in activities such as watching television or using the computer. When legs remain in a fixed position for long periods, leg muscle contractions are eliminated, and the blood flow in the veins is decreased.
Decreased movement and associated blood flow leads to an increase in blood in the lower parts of the legs, alongside an increase in pressure in the affected veins. This cycle of pressure and damage leads to weakened walls and valves of the affected veins. This same risk exists for individuals who are active and exercise on a regular basis, as the risk of prolonged periods of sitting exists even for active and exercising individuals.
The same vein health risks described above, as well as possibly some unique to standing, exist for occupations that require large amounts of standing work and movement. In the described situations above, for both sitting and standing, a lack of intermittent and active movement leads to serious impairments of functioning of the vein system.
Obesity has become a global epidemic due to the changes in lifestyle and dietary habits. Excess weight increases the pressure on the pelvis and legs and the strain can reduce blood circulation and increase the risk of getting varicose veins. Chronic venous pressure inflammation and damage blood vessel walls because of the production of inflammatory materials. This prolongs a cycle of chronic venous pressure and weak walls and makes the blood vessels more easily damaged. It does not take a lot of weight to change the venous pressure system to cause damage.
There is a mechanical strain and inflammatory strain on the blood vessels of the legs that is the result of being overweight. When the weight is lost the strain is decreased and the blood vessel health is improved. An interesting problem that comes with the lack of physical activity is that with a certain degree of vigorous activity the veins can become damaged as well. Rigid activities can result in high abdominal pressure and can alter circulation to the legs.
It must be made clear that there is a difference between damaging exercise and just not enough exercise. Too high of an exertion activity level is not good but too sedentary of an activity level is equally not good. Also walking, biking and swimming are good moderate activity levels that are beneficial. These actions strengthen the muscles of the legs that are critical in assisting the return of blood to the heart.
Technological influence and work culture
The convenience offered by technology’s influence on work culture and daily life has resulted in the replacement of tasks that once required a physically present individual. Meetings take place behind computer screens, daily tasks are completed through the internet, and social interaction has been replaced with social media and direct messaging.
Technology has created the digital workplace, which removes the need for physical movement, reducing circulation.
The culture of work promotes long and arduous hours, often with little opportunity for movement. In the short term, deliberately bypassing the organizational norm of movement breaks to meet a target may seem to possess little detriment, but can lead to chronic hypertrophy and, ultimately, venous insufficiency. However, standing during a work-related phone call or taking a short walk can positively impact this workplace phenomenon.
Lifestyle factors and hormones
There are a variety of venous health-affecting hormones, including those present during the menstrual cycle, which can affect the venous system and be impacted by lifestyle factors. Weight gain coupled with a sedentary lifestyle can lead to deterioration of the venous system.
The growing uterus, in addition to the normal increase in blood volume during pregnancy, can place significant strain on the veins in the lower extremities. While some venous changes may be permanently present after pregnancy, some postpartum changes are temporary. This knowledge, coupled with the understanding of lifestyle choices during the hormonal changes, can empower individuals with a venous issue to take some control in its management.
Don’t Ignore These Symptoms
A lot of modern day activities make people feel discomfort in their bodies but do not pay any attention to the symptoms that could be attributed to vein issues. Symptoms like aching pain in the legs, spider veins, and swelling of the ankles at the end of the day can seem to be nothing serious. However, these symptoms point to some serious venous problems that can be considered venous dysfunction.
Left untreated and without diagnosis, these symptoms can become progressively worse to the point of becoming debilitating. The good news is that the discomfort can not only be analyzed but treated by Vein Specialists in Clifton who can provide advanced minimally invasive techniques to restore venous function and relieve symptoms.
New Technologies and Strategies for Treatment
Advances in the technology of vein treatment have bettered the field in no small measure. Most modern treatments can be performed without having to make any large, invasive incisions and can be done in an outpatient setting. While treatments that are performed to ‘close off’ under functioning veins are not designed with a therapeutic purpose in mind, they do create a ‘healthier’ functioning vein and can improve any symptoms and even the venous problem by diverting the flow of blood to the ‘healthier’ vein.
Still, good old preventive techniques have not lost their value. If you have to sit in one position for a long time for work or any other reason, a graduated compression garment should be used. Staying well-hydrated aids in the maintenance of optimum blood consistency. A balanced diet, rich in fiber, aids in a reduction of pressure that may affect veins and helps in the prevention of problems with veins.
The Role of Physical Activity and its Benefits
Physical activity is one of the most effective and proven methods for the prevention of problems with the veins. Walking activates the muscles of the calves, which pushes blood up the legs, improving circulation. After a long day, legs may feel tired and swollen. Elevating and stretching the legs can provide a sense of relief as well as a prevention of circulation problems.
The benefits of movement can be gained from simple daily adjustments, such as taking the stairs, or parking farther from the entrance. Use of these simple daily movement strategies can help moderate the law of inactivity and help the body circulation system reset.
The Future: Developing Better Routines
Developing a different set of habits is understandable, as modern habits are here to stay. Movement, control of body weight, and effective problem solving are the most important ways to blood circulation and control of vein problems.
Modern habits may counter vein problems, and also provide a greater level of movement and circulation health. Improving circulation can be gained from simple adjustments in habits. Care for circulation system and vein problems will help maintain movement and circulation system health for a long time.
