| anity is usually considered to be a bad thing, on a par with conceit, narcissism, and egotism. But to be vain also means to be concerned about one's appearance. There's nothing wrong with that, and when a negative appearance is an early warning of vascular disease, concern is both responsible and appropriate. Varicose veins - those abnormally enlarged, twisted veins that develop in our legs with age - are, in a manner of speaking, a vain thing, especially for women, who suffer the unsightly appearance of varicosity four times more than men.1
But until recently, the harsh choice was between doing nothing and submitting to injections or surgery, neither of which is without liabilities . . . neither of which produces reliable results . . . and neither of which gets to the root of the problem. Fortunately, there is now a good alternative, with the discovery that certain dietary nutrients, herbs, and phytonutrients can really make a difference in your life, not only for better appearance, but for better health.
WHAT IS THE VENOUS SYSTEM?
Essentially, the cardiovascular system is made up of the arterial system (the arteries) and the venous system (the veins). The arterial system delivers blood from the heart to the lungs, where it picks up oxygen and drops off certain waste products, such as carbon dioxide. The blood is then sent to the major arteries (via the heart again), arterioles (small arteries), and lastly, the capillaries. At the point of the capillaries, the nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood is fed to the body's cells. With this mission completed, the blood is carried back to the heart via the venous system (comprising the venules (small veins), and the veins) to repeat the cycle.
HOW DO NORMAL VEINS WORK?
Looking more closely at the veins, reveals that they have one-way valves that allow blood to travel in only one direction - toward the heart. If the valves are functioning properly, any tendency toward back-flow (away from the heart) immediately pushes the vein's valve leaflets (flaps) closed. The movement of venous blood is passive. Unlike the arterial system which actively pumps blood to all the cells of the body, venous blood returns to the heart primarily due to the contraction of muscles and inspiratory (breathing) movement, literally squeezing venous blood back to the heart. One of the most important muscle pumps is the calf muscle pump.
WHAT IS VENOUS INSUFFICIENCY?
As we age, our venous system progressively deteriorates and venous blood flow becomes impaired. Any impairment of venous blood flow towards the heart is often referred to as venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency can occur in deep veins, superficial veins, or both. It can result from pump failure, obstruction (clot), or incompetent valves within veins. Another significant consideration is insufficient nutrients and other biomolecules that nourish and repair venous mechanisms are likely to create further deterioration and dysfunction.
Also, veins tend not to be as hearty as arteries. The weakest veins are the superficial veins which lie near the surface of the skin. This is why the first signs of venous insufficiency are often seen in the superficial veins as varicose veins.
WHY DO WE GET VARICOSE VEINS?
Incompetence of the valves of superficial veins, which manifests as varicose veins, is the most common form of venous disease. When the valves become compromised and no longer perform their usual function, backwards flow of blood through the vein occurs. The blood accumulates and pools, causing the vein to enlarge, stretch and widen. (See Figure.) This state can be seen as dark or blue tortuous veins and nodules at the surface of the skin called varicose veins. Similar pathology may be present deeper in the venous system but is not apparent to the eye; and may not be detected until severe enough to cause symptoms. By this time the disease state may be well-advanced.
Valve failure may have different causes, including prolonged pressure; for example, prolonged standing; phlebitis (inflammation of vessels); direct injury; or congenitally weak or abnormal walls. These problems are likely to be exacerbated by nutrient insufficiency which may instigate further dysfunction. The net result is venous insufficiency and unsightly veins, and as more evidence indicates, can lead to serious, even life-threatening conditions such as venous thrombosis (clot).
THE PROBLEMS OF VARICOSE VEINS
As varicose veins develop, so can pain. Feelings of drug-like heaviness, fatigue, burning, throbbing, and itching often ensue. Cramps are common. Edema (swelling) may follow prolonged standing. And it is not always possible to see the outward signs of varicose veins if they are not close to the surface of the skin.
Along this torturous road, there is always the possibility that varicose veins may lead to phlebitis, a serious inflammation of the veins in which the legs become hard and ultrasensitive to touch. Other possible serious problems, such as open ulcers could require medical attention.
VARICOSE VEINS AND VENOUS DEGENERATIVE DISEASE
Diseases of the venous system (veins) can be serious. Following heart attack and stroke, venous thromboembolism (vein blockage by a clot) is the third most common cardiovascular disease in the United States, responsible for between 300,000 and 600,000 hospitalizations and up to 100,000 deaths annually.2 Chronic venous insufficiency with skin ulceration is a clinical manifestation of venous thromboembolism, affecting up to 500,000 individuals per year. This is just the tip of the iceberg. The number of individuals affected by varicose veins of the lower extremities and the anus (hemorrhoids, another form of varicosity) rises rapidly with age.3 By the age of 50, 50% of all adults are believed to be affected.4 In Western societies, venous insufficiency represents a substantial portion of age-related disablement (morbidity). The cost of care is huge. In fact, in many countries, "varicose veins are probably the commonest disorder presenting to general surgeons."5 Nursing venous ulcers absorbs up to 30% of all monies expended on outpatient care; varicose veins or leg ulceration inflict persistent discomfort with concomitant disability that can extend over long periods of time.
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