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Venous disease can be classified into two categories:
Acute
This type of venous disease most often involves a blood clot in the deep veins of the
leg. It usually occurs suddenly and can involve serious complications requiring
hospitalization.
Chronic
Chronic venous disease occurs over a long period of time and can be broken down into two
groups: varicose veins and venous stasis disease. While varicose veins are usually not
critical, venous stasis disease can result in devastating disfigurement, disability and
a lifetime of treatments and hospital stays.
At The Center, venous disease is identified by one of two new, non-invasive approaches
of examining lower extremities:
- Duplex Scanning - this non-invasive technique utilizes ultrasound imaging to
visualize clots or other abnormalities within the veins.
- CT Scan (Computerized Tomography) - similar to an x-ray except the images,
appearing as a series of slides, provide a three-dimensional image when viewed
together. May involve the use of dye wither given orally or by injection.
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 Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) (Acute)
What is it?
Occurring most commonly in the leg veins, this condition results from a blood clot that
either partially or completely blocks the flow of blood through a vein.
Symptoms:
- A sudden increase in size of a leg (or arm)
- Enlargement of superficial veins
- A feeling of heaviness in the leg (or arm)
Treatment:
Patients are primarily prescribed anticoagulant medications. These drugs prevent blood
clots from forming and keep existing clots from getting bigger. Clot-dissolving drugs -
thrombolytic drugs - also may be used to treat DVT, but require careful hospital
supervision
Other methods of treatment include bed rest with the leg (or arm) elevated above the
heart, elastic bandages or support stockings, or surgical intervention.
Pulmonary Embolism (PE)
What is it?
This is a life-threatening condition in which a blood clot breaks away and obstructs a
branch of the artery in the lung. PE is often a result of a complication with
DVT.
Symptoms:
- Apprehension
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain (a rubbing feeling)
- Rapid pulse
- Sweating
- Cough with bloody sputum
- Fainting
Treatments:
There are a variety of medical treatments available for PE patients, including: pain
medication, clot-dissolving drugs and anticoagulants. Patients also may be prescribed
oxygen and elastic bandages or support stockings.
Venous Stasis Disease (Chronic)
What is it?
This is a condition that occurs as a result of blood pooling in the legs.
Symptoms:
- Lower leg pain when standing - relieved by elevation
- Swelling and tenderness in the lower legs.
- Skin discoloration of the lower legs.
- Dry, scaly, itchy skin on the lower legs.
- Ulcers on the lower legs.
Treatments:
- Bed rest - elevating the foot of the bed
- Antibiotics for infection and diuretics to reduce swelling
- Applying medicated dressings or a special boot
Venous ulcers also may be repaired surgically by skin grafting procedures.
If you have questions regarding symptoms of poor circulation, or would like more
information on any of the treatments mentioned above, contact The Center for Circulatory
Disorders and Wound Treatment today at (937) 723-3985.
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