Venous Thrombosis Disease And Articles

Peripheral Vascular Disease

Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) refers to a variety of conditions that primarily affect the arteries of the body, with the exception of the coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart. (Those are covered in the article on cardiovascular disease.) The most common areas for PVD are the arteries of the legs and upper arms, the carotid (neck) arteries, the abdominal aorta and its branches, and the renal (kidney) arteries.

The cause of most types of PVD is hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), which itself has many causes. Conditions affecting the veins, such as chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids, are not usually included in PVD.

PVD of the carotid arteries is a major cause of stroke. Intermittent claudication refers to pain in the lower legs after walking short distances and is caused by PVD of the leg arteries. One cause of erectile dysfunction may be PVD of the penis. Raynaud’s disease is a painful condition caused by spasms of arteries after exposure to cold. Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), also known as Buerger’s disease, is an uncommon PVD that occurs in both arteries and veins. This condition causes tender areas of inflammation in the arms or legs, followed by cold hands or feet.

Aneurysm is a ballooning of an artery due to weakening of the blood vessel walls. Aneurysms may be an inherited disorder or may be due to atherosclerosis.^{1 2} The most common aneurysm is abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA), which occurs in the large artery that carries blood from the heart to the lower body. AAA is much more common in men, and risk increases with age. Large AAAs are usually surgically repaired because they can undergo life-threatening ruptures.

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What are the symptoms of varicose veins?

Symptoms of varicose veins may include a dull pain, itch, or heavy sensation in the legs. The sensation is worse after prolonged standing and better when the legs are elevated. Varicose veins typically appear on the legs as dilated, tortuous veins close to the surface of the skin, and may look blue. Advanced varicose veins may cause ankle and leg swelling or skin ulcers.

Lifestyle changes that may be helpful for varicose veins

Keeping the legs elevated relieves pain. People with varicose veins should avoid sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time and should walk regularly.

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful for varicose veins

A controlled clinical trial found that oral supplementation with hydroxyethylrutosides (HR), a type of flavonoid that is derived from rutin, improved varicose veins in a group of pregnant women.¹ Further research is needed to confirm the benefits observed in this preliminary trial. A typical amount of HR is 1000 mg per day.

A small, preliminary trial found that supplementation with 150 mg of proanthocyanidins per day improved the function of leg veins after a single application in people with widespread varicose veins.² Double-blind trials are needed to determine whether extended use of proanthocyanidins can substantially improve this condition.

Are there any side effects or interactions with varicose veins?

Refer to the individual supplement for information about any side effects or interactions.

Herbs that may be helpful for varicose veins

Although witch hazel is known primarily for treating hemorrhoids, it may also be useful for varicose veins.³ Topical use of witch hazel to treat venous conditions is approved by the German Commission E, authorities on herbal medicine.⁴ Application of a witch hazel ointment three or more times per day for two or more weeks is necessary before results can be expected.

Horse chestnut seed extract can be taken orally or used as an external application for disorders of venous circulation, including varicose veins.⁵ Preliminary studies in humans have shown that 300 mg three times per day of a standardized extract of horse chestnut seed reduced the formation of enzymes thought to cause varicose veins.⁶ Topical gel or creams containing 2% aescin can be applied topically three or four time per day to the affected limb(s).

Oral supplementation with butcher’s broom⁷ or gotu kola8 may also be helpful for varicose veins.

Are there any side effects or interactions with varicose veins?

Refer to the individual herb for information about any side effects or interactions.

References:

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Peripheral Vascular Disease