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Are There Valves In The Veins Of Legs?
Question: Are there valves in the veins in your legs? I had a Venous Doppler this month and I am sure the technition said something about the valves not opening and closing correctly in my veins -- no blood clots. However, there was nothing mentioned in the report. Am I correct or way out in left field?
Brief Answer:
Yes your information on valves of veins is correct
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX! Good morning. I am Dr Shareef answering your query.
Yes - veins are unique tubes in our body with valves in them which open up while the blood flows through them towards heart. When they do not function properly , blood specially in the lower limbs get pooled up and there is edema(swelling) of the lower limb with possible varicose veins ( in which condition veins become prominent due to fullness/engorgement) due to malfunctioning of the valves which can not hold the upgoing blood towards one's heart.
This is not a serious condition, but has to be taken care of. You have to change a bit of your life style, that is avoid standing upright for long duration if your job demands this, also avoid sitting cross legged for prolonged periods during long journeys.
There are pressure garments available commercially which are made to order to fit one's lower limbs to support the venous return when the leg/calf muscles (peripheral heart) contract to propel the venous blood towards heart. If these measures are not taken, then the next stage is of varicose veins (as described above). This may lead to further complications if not taken care of.
In case the conservative measures are not effective, then there are surgical procedures which could give encouraging results. These details are being explained not to frighten you, but to give you some explanation of the condition in brief, so that you can take some preventive steps against further complications.
I hope more information about it can be obtained from the cardiologist with whom you have got appointment tomorrow, who can explain you better after a complete physical examination of your veins and your body as such.
I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.
Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.
Yes your information on valves of veins is correct
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX! Good morning. I am Dr Shareef answering your query.
Yes - veins are unique tubes in our body with valves in them which open up while the blood flows through them towards heart. When they do not function properly , blood specially in the lower limbs get pooled up and there is edema(swelling) of the lower limb with possible varicose veins ( in which condition veins become prominent due to fullness/engorgement) due to malfunctioning of the valves which can not hold the upgoing blood towards one's heart.
This is not a serious condition, but has to be taken care of. You have to change a bit of your life style, that is avoid standing upright for long duration if your job demands this, also avoid sitting cross legged for prolonged periods during long journeys.
There are pressure garments available commercially which are made to order to fit one's lower limbs to support the venous return when the leg/calf muscles (peripheral heart) contract to propel the venous blood towards heart. If these measures are not taken, then the next stage is of varicose veins (as described above). This may lead to further complications if not taken care of.
In case the conservative measures are not effective, then there are surgical procedures which could give encouraging results. These details are being explained not to frighten you, but to give you some explanation of the condition in brief, so that you can take some preventive steps against further complications.
I hope more information about it can be obtained from the cardiologist with whom you have got appointment tomorrow, who can explain you better after a complete physical examination of your veins and your body as such.
I hope this information would help you in discussing with your family physician/treating doctor in further management of your problem. Please do not hesitate to ask in case of any further doubts.
Thanks for choosing health care magic to clear doubts on your health problems. Wishing you an early recovery. Dr Shareef.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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