11h. CV Health - Varicose Veins & Haemorrhoids Flashcards
What are varicose veins?
Dilated superficial veins in the lower limbs where the pressure is higher due to gravity
Signs and symptoms of VV?
Visible vein dilation
Aching
Throbbing
Worse from prolonged standing
Complications of VV
Increased venous pressure = fluid leakage into surrounding tissues
Slow healing varicose ulcers
What are haemorrhoids?
Dilated veins in the anal canal
Can be internal or external
Signs and symptoms of haemorrhoids
Bright red blood with bowels movements
Protruding haemorrhoids
Anal itching
Causes and risk factors for VV/haemorrhoids
Increased abdominal pressure
Inherited valve defects
Smoking
Sedentary lifestyle
Lack of dietary connective tissue support
Portal hypertension
Increased blood viscosity/stagnation
Abdominal bloating
Structural
How can abdominal pressure be created?
Constipation
Obesity
Pregnancy
Childbirth
Ascites
Why is smoking a risk factor for VV/H?
Hypoxia
Endothelial damage
Vessel wall inflammation
A lack of which nutrients can impact connective tissue?
C - collagen synthesis
Bioflavonoids - support connective tissue integrity
How can increased blood viscosity and stagnation be created?
Dehydration
Liver congestion
Sedentary lifestyle
Signs/symptoms of increased blood viscosity/stagnation
Haemorrhoids
Post food fatigue
Purple tongue
Think white/yellow tongue coating
What structural effects can be a risk factor for VV/H?
Poor diaphragm motion
Weak pelvic floor
Natural approach to supporting VV/H
Naturopathic Diet
Reduce inflammation
Increase blood flow
Speed up repair of damaged veins
Vit C rich foods - for collagen repair
Bioflavonoids (proanthocyanidins/anthocyanins) - improve vascular integrity
Enhance fibrinolytic activity
Optimise liver function
Lymphatic drainage/massage
Raise feet above heart - 20 mins/day
Reduce weight
Regular exercise - walking, jogging, rotate ankles
Support stockings
Food sources of bioflavonoids
Buckwheat
Grapes
Apples
Cranberry
Blueberry
Blackcurrants
Green tea
Foods to enhance fibrinolytic activity
Garlic
Onions
Ginger
Cayenne
Herbs to support VV/H
Horse chestnut
Gotu kola
Butcher’s broom
Pycogenol
Why is horse chestnut good for VV/H?
Astringent
Increases venous tone by increasing prostaglandins
Inhibits enzymes that destroy venous structures
Dosage of horse chestnut in supporting VV/H
400mg/day
15 drops of tincture 3/day
Why is gotu kola good for VV/H?
Stimulates glycosaminoglycan and collagen synthesis
Supports vein structure and improves blood flow
Dosage of gotu kola in supporting VV/H
500mg 2/day
Why is Butcher’s broom good for VV/H?
Vasoconstrictive - narrows diameter of veins
Astringent
Dosage of Butcher’s broom in supporting VV/H
300-500mg/day
Why is pycogenol good for VV/H?
Collagen stabilising properties
Decreases passive dilation and stretching
Dosage of pycogenol in supporting VV/H
150-300mg/day
