Washington Health System

Salute Your DON'T LET VARICOSE VEINS KEEP YOU FROM STAYING COOL THIS SUMMER. Did you know approximately half of adults age 50 and older develop varicose veins? ese unsightly veins form when blood flow to your heart from the veins in your legs decreases. Instead, the blood pools in the veins. is is called venous insufficiency, and it results in those familiar spider veins. "Many people want to be rid of their varicose veins for cosmetic reasons, but that's not why most of our procedures are done," says Brent Angott, DO, Chief of General Surgery with Washington Health System. "Related health concerns include everything from itching and dry skin to leg ulcers and swelling." Varicose veins are treated through a procedure called venous ablation, which involves heating veins to close them so blood can't pool in them in the future. e blood naturally reroutes to other veins. "Our approach is minimally invasive and takes place in an office setting," Dr. Angott says. "Because it can be performed without sedation or with minimal sedation, patients walk shortly aer the procedure and can quickly return to normal activities." If you're concerned about your varicose veins, talk to your doctor about whether venous ablation can help, and get back to wearing shorts with pride. PAY ATTENTION FOR PREVENTION Risk factors for developing varicose veins include: » being a woman » pregnancy » obesity » being a smoker » advanced age » family history of venous disease » trauma to the lower extremities » blood clots in the legs » jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing » joint laxity (when ligaments are too loose) Avoiding as many risk factors as possible is key to prevention, though there are some, such as family history and gender, that you have no control over. Exercise is an excellent way to prevent varicose veins from developing, especially as it benefits your health in dozens of other ways. Support stockings are another good treatment option if your job requires you to sit or stand for extended periods. » CALL OUR PHYSICIAN REFERRAL LINE AT (724) 250-4310 TO FIND A DOCTOR WHO SPECIALIZES IN VARICOSE VEINS. SHORTS Live a healthy lifestyle to minimize your risk factors. There are some things you cannot prevent, but our procedures are very effective in treating venous disease." —BRENT ANGOTT, DO, CHIEF OF GENERAL SURGERY WITH WASHINGTON HEALTH SYSTEM 4 whs.org connections | S U M M E R 2017

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