Varicose veins occur when valves in the veins fail, causing blood to pool in the veins and enlarge them. Risk factors include gender, genetics, age, obesity, occupation, pregnancy, and menopause. Symptoms include swollen, lumpy, discolored veins, aching legs, and skin discoloration. Treatment options include compression stockings, sclerotherapy, thermal ablation procedures, vein stripping surgery, and herbal supplements. Lifestyle modifications such as avoiding standing, exercise, and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent varicose veins.

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A Seminar on
AN OVERVIEW ON VARICOSE VEINS
Presented by:
Mounika Rajulapati
137N1R0008
Under the Guidance of
Mrs.D.Santhi Krupa, M.Pharm,
Asst Prof.,
Dept.,of Pharmacology
Vijaya Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences for Women
Enikepadu,Vijayawada

2. CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION
2. PREVALENCE
3. LOCATION OF VARICOSE VEINS
4. TYPES
5. RISK FACTORS
6. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
7. TREATMENT
8. LIFE STYLE MODIFICATIONS
9. CONCLUSION
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3. INTRODUCTION
 Varicose veins, also known as varicoses or varicosities
 Veins become enlarged, dilated, and overfilled with
blood
 Bluish-purple or red color
 Veins mostly affected are -
Superficial veins
Deep veins
Perforator veins 3

4. CONVERSION OF NORMAL VEIN TO VARICOSE
VEIN
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Any risk factor
Eg -Prolonged standing
Increases venous
pressure
Dilation of vein walls &
valvular incompetence
Blood pool’s in vein
Vein
swell,distend,twist

5. BASICS OF VARICOSE VEINS
 In varicose veins, the valves do not work properly
allowing blood to pool in the vein and making it
difficult for the muscles to push the blood "uphill.“
 Instead of flowing from one valve to the next, the
blood continues to pool in the vein causing the vein
to bulge, twist and painful.
 Varicose veins may also signal a higher risk of
other circulatory problems
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6.  Blood that pools in the varicose veins is depleted of
oxygen and nutrients. As the veins do not tolerate high
pressure they begin to allow red blood cells and fluid to
leak into the tissues of the leg, which causes painful
swelling.
 The red blood cells in the tissues cause chronic
inflammation and the skin becomes hyperpigmented.
 When the skin and the fat under the skin are inflamed
for years, the tissues become woody and firm.
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7. PREVALENCE
 47.9 million people of India are affected by varicose
veins
 That is around 15-20% of population
 In U.S.A 12.2 million people are effected by
varicose veins
 41% of all women usually are suffering from venous
abnormalities by the time they reach 50.
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8. LOCATION OF VARICOSE VEINS
 Varicose veins usually develop either on the calf
muscle or inside of the leg, other areas include
 Oesophagus
 Uterus
 Vagina
 Pelvis
 Rectum
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9. TYPES OF VARICOSE VEINS
 Trunk varicose veins :
Veins that are near to the surface of the skin and
are thick and knobbly.
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10.  Reticular varicose veins :
veins are red and are sometimes grouped close together
in a network.
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11.  Telangiectasia varicose veins (thread veins or spider
veins) :
small and dilated clusters of blue or red veins appear on
legs and they are harmless.
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12. SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
 Veins seem to be twisted, swollen and lumpy
 Skin discoloration occurs and appear as brownish
or blue in colour
 Legs aching, feel heavy at night
 Minor injury in the affected area result in longer
bleeding
 Swollen ankles
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13. CONTD..
 Lipodermatosclerosis
 Telangiectasia in leg
 Leg cramps upon sudden
standing
 Restless legs syndrome
 Atrophie blanche
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14. DIAGNOSTIC TESTS AND
PROCEDURES
 PHYSICAL EXAM
Observation of varicose veins while standing or
sitting with our legs dangling and palpation
 DUPLEX ULTRASOUND :
This is an ultrasound scan where soundwaves are
used to create picture of structures in our body
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15.  DOPPLER TEST
It is also an ultrasound scan uses high frequency sound waves to
produce an image which provide information about –
direction of blood flow in vein
how valves in vein work
check blood clots
 ANGIOGRAM
For this procedure, dye is injected into the veins
The dye outlines the veins on x-ray images.
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16. RISK FACTORS
 Gender
 Genetics
 Age
 Being overweight
 Occupation
 Being pregnant
 Menopause
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17. CONTD..
 Pressure on the
abdomen
 Sedentary lifestyle
 Standing for long periods
of time
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18. TREATMENT OF VARICOSE VEINS
 NON-PHARMACOLOGICAL TREATMENT
Compression Stockings:
They are made of stronger elastics to create
significant pressure on the legs, ankles and feet.
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19.  SURGICAL TREATMENT
1. Microphlebectomy
Microphlebectomy refers to the removal of a large or
medium sized varicose vein through a tiny incision in
the leg
Incisions are less than ¼ inch in length
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20. 2. Sclerotherapy
This method involves use of a fine needle to inject a
solution directly into the vein.
Solution irritates vein wall makes them shrivel
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21. then vein turn into scar which is absorbed by the body
Sclerosants include -
- Detergents
Eg: Sodium tetradecyl sulfate
- Osmotic agents
Eg: Hypertonic sodiumchloride solution
- Chemical irritants
Eg: Chromated glycerin
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22. 3. Endovenous thermal ablation
Laser or radiofrequency ablation
In this method vein is heated with a catheter inserted
into the vein due to heat vein is destroyed and
disappears quickly.
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23. Steam ablation
This process works with a natural agent.
In this method steam is injected into the sick vein due to
this vein gets destroyed and disappear.
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24. 4.Vein-stripping surgery
The surgery involves making incisions followed by
insertion of a special metal or plastic wire into the vein.
The vein is attached to the wire and then pulled out from
the body.
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25.  DRUG THERAPY
Herbal extracts include-
 Butcher’s broom
 Grape seeds
 Horse chestnut
 Sweet clover
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26. LIFE STYLE MODIFICATIONS
 Avoid standing
 Avoid sun exposure
 maintain a healthy weight
 Exercise daily
 Avoid crossing legs
 Avoid wearing tight clothes
 Avoid wearing high heels
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27. CONCLUSION
Usually varicose veins are less complicated vascular
disorders, but if left undiagnoised or untreated they
transform into severe uncomfortable circulatory disorders.
Though there's no way to completely prevent varicose
veins by lifestyle modifications the circulation and muscle
tone can be improved which reduce the risk of developing
varicose veins and prevent from recurrence.
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