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Chronic pelvic pain and your vascular health

What Is Chronic Pelvic Pain?

Chronic pelvic pain that occurs because of venous disease (sometimes referred to as pelvic congestion syndrome) is often felt below the belly button in the pelvis. A number of conditions can cause chronic pelvic pain, including enlarged varicose veins in the ovaries and pelvis. In the pelvis, veins have one-way valves that help keep blood flowing toward your heart. If the valves are weak or damaged, blood can pool in your veins, which causes them to swell. When this happens near the pelvis, it is called pelvic venous disease (PeVD). Women with venous disease often experience pain during or following intercourse.

Pelvic venous disease usually affects women who have previously been pregnant because the ovarian and veins in the pelvis widened to accommodate the increased blood flow from the uterus during pregnancy. After the pregnancy, some of these veins remain enlarged and fail to return to their previous size, causing them to weaken, allowing blood to pool.

What are the causes of chronic pelvis pain?

Determining the cause of pelvic pain can be complicated because there are many possibilities:

• Pelvic venous disease (pelvic congestion syndrome)imM8LW7UYpUeYrSq2W9PRB6Lnbq0s0kEPHCXcNDTHwP4oQKySTuqZsUjBmFci93pEEa47P0P7ZmKbbS 2iz 46v94z

• Uterine fibroids

• Kidney stones

• Infected appendix

• Endometriosis

• Ovarian cysts

• Other causes

A number of diagnostic tests can be performed through minimally invasive methods to determine whether your chronic pelvic pain is a result of pelvic varicose veins. These tests include:

• Pelvic and transvaginal ultrasound

• Pelvic venogram

• Computed tomography (CT)

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care.

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care.

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence.

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330.

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources.

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information.

 

Chronic pelvic pain and your vascular health2023-02-15T20:35:34-08:00

Uterine Fibroids 101

Millions of women around the world are affected by the development of uterine fibroids each year. While it is not a life-threatening condition in itself, the symptoms and potential complications that come with it make it such a pressing medical concern for affected individuals.

As only women will usually possess a uterus, it follows that only women are afflicted by this ailment, which is why gynecologists will often be the first ones to make a definite diagnosis. As with so many medical emergencies, knowing the problem early will greatly increase the chances of beating it, which is why the professionals at La Jolla Vein & Vascular are dedicated to administering reliable, accurate, and entirely effective diagnostics, therapies, and treatments to all clients coming through our doors.

Let’s take a closer look at what exactly we will be dealing with should uterine fibroids turn out to be the issue at hand.

What are Uterine Fibroids?

 

To understand what uterine fibroids are, the first thing one should do is separate the two terms making up the condition. A fibroid is a term used to refer to a type of tumor that has ‘muscular’ characteristics. They are also referred to as leiomyoma and can appear singularly or in formations or ‘lumps.’

They are known as uterine fibroids since they will appear in the patient’s uterus. Although they are not cancerous in almost all instances, they will range in size from patient to patient, from as small as an apple seed to as large as a grapefruit and beyond, in some unusual instances.

It is important for all women to be aware of the dangers presented by uterine fibroids, not only owing to the potential harm that the condition might bring about but due to the high rate of prevalence among the female population affected in some way.

By the time they are 50 years old, it is estimated that between 20 to 80 percent of women will have developed uterine fibroids, with most cases affecting women in the later stages of their reproductive years (the 40s to early 50s).

Symptoms to Look Out For

Fibroids go undiscovered in most patients due to the lack of symptoms accompanying them, but some patients will experience some symptoms, including:

  • Frequent urination due to pressure being exerted on the patient’s bladder
  • Lower back pain
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Enlargement of the lower abdomen, with severe and extremely rare instances causing the appearance of apparent pregnancy in the patient where none exists
  • Heavy bleeding and/or painful bleeding during periods sometimes resulting in a medically significant depletion of blood in the patient (anemia)
  • Greatly increased risks of complication during pregnancy and delivery, with uterine fibroid patients requiring cesarean sections at six times the average rate.
  • Reproductive health problems such as infertility although are very rare outcomes.

What Causes Uterine Fibroids?

While the science is not completely settled on what exactly causes or is behind the formation of uterine fibroids in human beings, there are certain factors that researchers believe play significant roles in triggering their growth or development.

Genetics

In 50 percent of cases, patients will be found to have some genetic abnormality. In many instances, some erroneous translocation will be discovered on some chromosomes.

Hormones

While we may not be completely certain as to what lies at the root cause of uterine fibroids, it has been clearly demonstrated that hormones play a large role in determining their growth or progression. While a woman is pregnant, they will see rapid growth due to the presence of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Should the patient use anti-hormone medication, the opposite will happen – the fibroids will shrink. Furthermore, fibroids will stop growing or begin shrinking once a patient reaches menopause, which is the point at which these hormones also cease being produced in the female body.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Uterine Fibroids 1012023-02-15T20:31:58-08:00

Varicoceles and men’s infertility

A varicocele is a term used to describe abnormal enlargement of the veins within the scrotum. The veins carry blood from the various body organs back to the heart. Typically, veins have valves that prevent blood backflow. When the valves in the veins within the scrotum don’t work as they should, blood tends to collect in the scrotum, leading to varicoceles.

While varicocele is very common, it is not life-threatening. In fact, research shows that about 15 percent of all adult men have varicocele. For most men, the condition will go unnoticed throughout their life or does not cause any complications. Although the condition is not dangerous, varicocele is a common cause of low sperm production and reduced sperm quality, leading to infertility. Varicoceles can also lead to reduced testosterone production and scrotal discomfort. The condition often does not need treatment until there is a reason for concern about the associated problems. Fortunately, varicocele is easy to diagnose and treat.

How do Varicoceles Affect the Testis?

 

While numerous theories exist, medical experts agree that varicoceles cause the veins to carry warm blood from the abdomen down to the testis. Generally, the testis functions properly at around three degrees below the average body temperature. As such, warmblood can affect the testis’ ability to produce testosterone and sperm.

Symptoms of Varicoceles

Most often, Varicoceles have no symptoms or signs. As mentioned earlier, you will barely notice it. However, although rarely, the condition might cause pain. When it does cause pain, it might;

Switch from a sharp to a dull discomfort

Become worse over the day

Increase when due to physical exertion or standing for extended periods

Pain that goes away when you lie on your back

Impaired infertility

Over time, varicoceles may become more enlarged and become noticeable. Varicoceles are often described as looking like a “bag of worms” sometimes, the condition may also cause a swollen testicle, most often on the left side.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Varicoceles and men’s infertility2023-02-15T20:28:54-08:00

Varicose Veins Unveiled

Varicose Veins Unveiled

Varicose veins, those prominent and twisted veins beneath the skin’s surface, are a common concern for many individuals, often bringing discomfort and aesthetic worries. In this enlightening blog post, we’ll explore the complexities of varicose veins and the underlying condition known as venous reflux disease. From understanding the root causes to uncovering the range of symptoms and treatment options, join us on a voyage to attain better vein health and lasting relief.

Grasping Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are swollen and twisted veins, most visibly affecting the legs. Though widespread, they can be a source of pain and cosmetic distress, making it crucial to gain a comprehensive understanding of these veins and how to address them effectively.

Identifying the Culprits: The Causes of Varicose Veins

The primary trigger for varicose veins lies in malfunctioning vein valves, which lead to blood accumulation within the veins. This pooling of blood causes the veins to expand and become varicose. Underlying venous reflux disease, known by various names like venous stasis, venous insufficiency, or venous incompetence, is frequently the contributing factor to the development of varicose veins. Venous reflux disease arises when blood backflows within the deep and superficial leg veins.

Insights from Research

A groundbreaking study, led by Dr. Nisha Bunke and published in the Journal of Vascular Ultrasound in 2018, examined more than 1,000 legs affected by varicose veins. This research revealed that a substantial majority—well over 90%—of the sources of varicose veins were the great and small saphenous veins. The Great Saphenous Vein (GSV) travels through the middle of the thigh and calf, while the small saphenous vein (SSV) courses along the back of the calf.

Unveiling the Symptoms

Both varicose veins and venous reflux disease manifest an array of symptoms, including aching, tenderness, heaviness, fatigue, restlessness in the legs, burning and throbbing pain, itching, leg cramps (particularly at night), ankle swelling, skin discoloration, and even skin ulcers that may form above the ankle. Left untreated, complications may arise, such as painful inflammation of the veins (superficial phlebitis), blood clots within varicose veins (superficial thrombophlebitis), and skin problems like discoloration, eczema, or ulcers.

The Power of Ultrasound Diagnosis

A fundamental component of accurate diagnosis is duplex ultrasound technology, which is used to assess veins beneath the skin’s surface. This technology not only detects faulty valves and determines the direction of blood flow but also identifies any obstructions or scars within the veins, providing invaluable information for devising a tailored treatment plan.

A Tailored Approach to Treatment

A holistic approach to managing varicose veins involves multiple steps:

Step 1: Addressing the Root Issue

The core of treatment lies in resolving venous reflux. This entails focusing on the saphenous veins, often the source of the problem. Innovative vein ablation procedures, such as radiofrequency ablation (RFA), laser ablation, mechanico-chemical ablation (MOCA), and Varithena Foam, are utilized to reinstate proper blood flow.

Step 2: Managing Varicose Veins

After successfully treating the underlying reflux, the next step is to address the varicose veins themselves. Common methods include foam sclerotherapy, involving the injection of a foamed medication to induce scarring and eventual dissolution, and phlebectomy, which entails small incisions for vein removal.

Varicose veins and venous reflux disease impact numerous lives, resulting in discomfort and aesthetic concerns. By gaining insight into their root causes, recognizing the array of symptoms, and exploring innovative treatments, individuals can take charge of their vein health. At La Jolla Vein & Vascular, we’re devoted to delivering personalized care and effective solutions to alleviate symptoms and enhance your quality of life. If you’re ready to embark on the path to healthier veins, don’t hesitate to contact us today and take the first step towards achieving sustained relief and well-being.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Amanda Steinberger, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link, and our website https://ljvascular.com

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency,

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

For more blogs and educational content, please check out our clinic’s blog posts!

Varicose Veins Unveiled2024-07-06T19:33:42-07:00

Do you have non healing ulcers or wounds?

We might all be familiar with ulcers in a general manner, but certain types of ulcers behave quite differently due to various contributing factors. These are non healing ulcers or non healing wounds, and if not treated with care and in good time, such wounds can pose a serious risk to the patient’s health. Severe cases may lead to amputation of the affected limbs or loss of life in the most extreme circumstances. The nonhealing ulcers cases we treat here at La Jolla Vein & Vascular fall under peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and a subcategory of arterial disease.

Non-healing wounds or ulcers do not follow the usual healing process and are referred to as chronic wounds should they persist beyond 3 weeks. Such wounds can be a heavy burden to live with for anyone. Still, the board-certified vascular surgeons and specialists at La Jolla Vein & Vascular are dedicated to administering effective treatment and management solutions to all patients so they may resume a healthy, productive, and pain-free life.

Causes of Non-Healing Wounds

The underlying factors contributing to the risk of developing a non-healing ulcer or wound are widely varied. What they have in common is their ability to interfere with the way the body normally functions with regard to wounds.

Symptoms of Non-Healing Ulcers

You shouldn’t allow a wound to fester for weeks on end before seeking professional assistance, especially if you fall under one or more of the risk categories we’ve outlined above. The following are some warning signs to look out for:

  • Darkening or bluish discoloration around the wound edges
  • Significant pain around the wound that persists without improvement or progressively grows worse
  • Foul odor or smell emanating from the wound
  • Swelling and redness emanating from the wound and spreading to surrounding skin and tissue
  • Continuous leaking, draining, or weeping from the wound.

Notice that these symptoms are mostly indicative of infection. This is a good measure as it often indicates a failure of the body’s natural mechanisms to deal with the wound through its normal processes. The rapid and timely intervention will be called for to forestall further tissue damage and complications.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Do you have non healing ulcers or wounds?2023-02-15T20:25:40-08:00

PAD & Vascular Disease

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a subset of vascular disease,also referred to as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which develops when excessive plaque buildup on the artery walls causes narrowing of the arteries. The arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood from the heart to other parts of the body. When plaque builds up, it usually restricts the flow of blood, oxygen, and glucose. The obstruction causes pain in the leg as the muscles and tissues are starved for oxygen and other nutrients from the blood. While the pain usually occurs in your legs primarily, it can also be felt in other parts of the body, including your arms, stomach, hip, head, and kidneys.

Are You at Risk for Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

In most cases, the PAD symptoms are on the lower extremities. You may experience some pain, craping, or tiredness in your hip or leg muscles when climbing stairs or walking. However, the pain usually goes away with rest, only to resurface when you start walking again. Individuals suffering from peripheral arterial disease are at a high risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, or heart attack. Even worse, if left untreated, the condition can lead to gangrene and amputation.

Peripheral Arterial Disease – Diagnosis

At La Jolla Vein & Vascular, we have highly trained physicians who offer a comprehensive diagnosis to develop customized treatments of Peripheral artery disease (PAD). We understand that no two patients’ conditions are similar. Our full-service vascular lab provides state-of-the-art testing to ensure that our physicians address each patient case quickly and accurately. Our doctors and nurses also have broad experience in this field and use advanced tools to achieve limb-saving results even for challenging, impaired patients.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 

 

 

PAD & Vascular Disease2023-02-15T20:21:52-08:00

Legs and vascular conditions

Our physicians have specialized training in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease. They have even further specialization in vascular conditions affecting specifically the legs, feet and pelvis.  The most common types of vascular conditions affecting the legs and pelvis are peripheral arterial disease (PAD)and venous insufficiency and varicose veins, but there are other conditions that vascular specialists deal with every day. These include varicose veins in the testes for men, called varicocele, and varicose veins in the pelvis of women, causing a collection of symptoms referred to as Pelvic Congestion Syndrome. Other vascular conditions we treat include May-Thurner Syndrome, geniculate artery embolization for chronic knee pain and uterine fibroids (which are vascular tumors).

What are Vascular Diseases?

Your vascular system is your body’s network of blood vessels. It includes your

• Arteries, which carry oxygen-rich blood from your heart to your tissues and organs

• Veins, which carry the blood and waste products back to your heart

• Capillaries, which are tiny blood vessels that connect your small arteries to your small veins. The walls of the capillaries are thin and leaky, to allow for an exchange of materials between your tissues and blood.

These diseases are conditions which affect your vascular system. They are common and can be serious. Many can be treated without surgery or with endovascular techniques. Some types we treat include:

  • Aneurysm – a bulge or “ballooning” in the wall of an artery

  • Atherosclerosis – a disease in which plaque builds up inside your arteries. Plaque is made up of fat, cholesterol, calcium, and other substances found in the blood.

  • Blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis

  • Varicose veins – swollen, twisted veins that you can see just under the skin

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care.

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care.

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence.

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330.

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources.

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information.

 

Legs and vascular conditions2023-02-15T20:16:02-08:00

What is May Thurner Syndrome?

Have you had a blood clot in the left leg, or recurrent blood clots without a known cause? Do you notice swelling of the left leg? If so, you may be considered for evaluation of May-Thurner Syndrome, which can be a hidden cause for left leg swelling and DVTs. May-Thurner Syndrome is a condition where the right common iliac artery overlies and compresses the left common iliac vein against the lumbar spine. This causes narrowing of the vein in the pelvic region, sort of like a bottle-neck. The narrowing of the vein makes the blood flow more sluggish and prone to blood clots and leg swelling. This variant has been shown to be present in over 20% of the population.

What Is May-Thurner Syndrome?

The iliac arteries originate from the largest artery in the body, the abdominal aorta. They split at the spine to form the left and right iliac arteries, which feed blood to the pelvis and legs. The right iliac artery is supposed to lie over the left iliac vein, but with this syndrome this artery is compressing the vein. As a result of this compression, the iliac vein narrows and constricts, sometimes scarring. This narrowing results in increased risk of developing blood clots or deep vein thrombosis in that extremity.

Why Do I Have May-Thurner Syndrome?

This condition is congenital but not hereditary and is more common in women than men. It shows up more frequently in young women taking birth control medication, as women age or as they gain weight. Many people may be unaware that they have this disorder, because many may only have some degree of compression of the iliac vein. Only a small number of individuals have severe compression of the iliac vein, resulting in symptoms, namely blood clots in the deep veins of the leg.

How Is May-Thurner Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is achieved by a combination of physical examination and diagnostic testing. Diagnosis may also occur when patients present with symptoms of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT- please see this section of venous conditions) and further testing is completed.

Tests to confirm diagnosis include:

What Are My Treatment Options for May-Thurner Syndrome?

The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms as well as reduce the risk of further complications.

  • Anticoagulant therapy: These medications thin your blood and prevent the current clot from increasing in size, as well as prevent new clots from forming. These medications do not dissolve the clots that you have. You may be on IV heparin for several days or an injection called Lovenox that is given in the abdomen once daily for 5 to 7 days. You will be started on a medication called warfarin (Coumadin), which is an anticoagulant pill. It can take about 3 days for this medication to have effect, so during that time you may be on both warfarin and heparin. You may be on this medication for up to 6 months, during which time routine blood tests are required to ensure your blood is at the appropriate thinness to prevent clots from forming.
  • Catheter-directed Thrombolytic Therapy: During this procedure, a thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted into a puncture in the skin and guided into the affected blood vessel of the lung. A thrombolytic drug is injected which dissolves the clot over a period of time. There is a much higher risk of bleeding as well as stroke with this therapy, compared to anticoagulants.
  • Angioplasty and stenting: Once the clot has been removed from the vein, this procedure is performed to widen the compressed vein. A thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted in a puncture over a vein in the leg. A small balloon at the tip of the catheter is inflated to stretch the iliac vein open, increasing blood flow to the leg. A small metal mesh tube called a stent is inserted through the catheter and guided to the ballooned area of the iliac vein. The stent will help hold the compressed area open and will remain in the vein permanently.
  • Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) filter: During this procedure, a thin flexible tube called a catheter is inserted through a vein in your leg, arm, or neck. The vascular surgeon passes a small special metal filter through the catheter and places it in the inferior vena cava, which is a large vein in your abdomen that carries blood back to the lungs. This filter traps clots that break away from leg veins, preventing them from traveling to your lungs. This is done if the patient cannot tolerate anticoagulation therapy.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


What is May Thurner Syndrome?2023-02-15T20:12:37-08:00

DVT & Blood Clots 101

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a condition in which a blood clot forms in the deep veins located in the leg, thigh, or pelvis. While Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is common in the lower leg, it can also develop in other body parts, including the arms. So, how do blood clots form in the veins, and is it dangerous? 

To answer this, let us look at how the blood circulates in the body. The blood circulatory system consists of two blood vessels, namely the arteries and veins. The arteries carry blood rich in nutrients and oxygen from the heart, while the veins carry the deoxygenated blood back to the heart. Arteries have thin muscles within their walls that make them capable of withstanding the pumping pressure from the heart. However, the veins have no muscle lining and entirely depend on the muscle movement to take the blood back to the heart. 

How do Blood Clots Form?

The venous system in the legs consists of two main veins, the superficial veins, and deep veins. As the name suggests, deep veins are located deep within the muscles. On the other hand, superficial veins are located just below the skin and are easily visible. Typically, the blood flows from the superficial veins into the deep venous system through perforator veins. Both the perforator and superficial veins have valves that allow blood to flow in one direction. 

However, when blood travels slowly in the veins or pools in the veins, the platelets tend to stick together. While a blood clot (thrombus) in the deep venous system of your leg is not dangerous by itself, it can become life-threatening when it breaks and travels to enter the pulmonary vein. When the blood clot blocks a pulmonary artery, it decreases the amount of oxygen absorbed in the blood, causing a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism. 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is considered a medical emergency. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), 10 – 30 percent of individuals who develop leg DVT experience life-threatening complications within a month of diagnosis. 

DVT SYMPTOMS

Like other disorders that affect the venous system, some individuals with DVT may not notice any symptoms. However, if the symptoms develop, people with deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may experience the following:

  • Leg pain with walking (muscle cramp or sharp pain) 
  • Sharp pain in the affected limb that starts in the calf 
  • Red or discolored skin on the affected limb 
  • Swelling in the affected limb 
  • Sudden onset leg swelling
  • Enlarged veins 
  • Increased warmth in the swollen, painful region 

Most often, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) affects only one leg, although, on rare occasions, the condition may develop in both legs. If the blood clot (thrombus) breaks and travels up to the lung, a person suffering from pulmonary embolism may have the following:

  • Sudden breathlessness or slow breathing 
  • Rapid breath 
  • Increased heart rate 
  • Chest pain that worsens when breathing deeply 

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


DVT & Blood Clots 1012023-02-15T20:09:13-08:00

Recent swelling? This could be why.

Swelling or Edema

Swelling in the legs (edema) occurs when fluid becomes trapped in the soft tissues of the leg from malfunctioning valves in the veins. When the valves in leg veins begin to weaken, or fail, the blood can no longer be pumped out of the legs properly. This causes fluid and blood to become trapped in the legs. When the fluid begins to build up, the leg may begin to swell. The term for the buildup of fluid which leads to swelling in the body is edema.

Lymphedema

Lymphedema is a form of chronic edema that occurs when the body’s lymphatic system does not function properly. It is not the same as vein-disease related edema, although vein disease can eventually progress into a combined venous/lymphatic disorder. As with swelling in the lower legs, lymphedema requires the attention of a healthcare professional as soon as possible.

Who is at risk?

Any swelling in the lower leg should be considered abnormal, and patients must visit a physician immediately to diagnose and begin treating the underlying problem. Swelling can also be a symptom of other, non-venous conditions such as heart disease, heart failure, obesity, high blood pressure, liver disease, or kidney disease, so it’s important to seek medical attention immediately.

“Bringing Experts Together for Unparalleled Vein and Vascular Care”

La Jolla Vein & Vascular (formerly La Jolla Vein Care) is committed to bringing experts together for unparalleled vein and vascular care. 

Nisha Bunke, MD, Sarah Lucas, MD, and Elliot DeYoung, MD are specialists who combine their experience and expertise to offer world-class vascular care. 

Our accredited center is also a nationally known teaching site and center of excellence. 

For more information on treatments and to book a consultation, please give our office a call at 858-550-0330. 

 

For a deeper dive into vein and vascular care, please check out our Youtube Channel at this link.

 

For more information on varicose veins and eliminating underlying venous insufficiency, check this link out full of resources. 

Please follow our social media Instagram Profile and Tik Tok Profile for more fun videos and educational information. 


Recent swelling? This could be why.2023-02-15T20:05:07-08:00
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© Copyright 2010-2025, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved

CONTACT INFORMATION

La Jolla/UTC

Vista

Patient Privacy Practices

Privacy Policy

Hippa Privacy Practices
HIPAAOneTM Certified Seal 2

Use the search features below to find articles and insights for the diagnosis and treatment of vascular disease

TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS THROUGHOUT SAN DIEGO

La Jolla/ UTC

North County San Diego/ Vista — Endovascular Center
Now Open! Call/Text for Appointments

© Copyright 2010-2024, La Jolla Vein & Vascular | All Rights Reserved

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