Osmosis: Chronic Venous Insufficiency

Question 1

what are varicose veins?

Answer 1

vein that have become enlarged and twisted

arterial circulation is a high pressure system and the movement of blood is dependent on high pressure that [ush it through the arteries – the venous circulation is a low pressure system and the movement of blood relies on the skeletal muscle pump that compress the vein and propel blood through the vessels

when you’re standing, blood has to go up and work against gravity so your calfs squeeze to move it up and the valves only let blood move in one direction! for some people the gravity causes the walls of the leg veins stretch which pulls apart the valves and allows blood to leak backwards and pool in the veins = varicose veins

Question 2

where do varicose veins happen?

Answer 2

in the superficial veins of?
1. calfs

2. testicles = bag of worms appearance

Question 3

what happens when the testicles get varicose veins?

Answer 3

testicular atrophy and infertility from increased temperature from all the pooling blood

Question 4

what is chronic venous insufficiency

Answer 4

overtime, the deep veins can be effected as well which results in even more pooling

if this happens for a long time you get chronic venous insufficiency

the stagnant blood causes an inflammatory reaction in the vessels and surrounding tissue = ulcers, hyperpigmentation, puritis, pain, edema

Question 5

risk factors for varicose veins?

Answer 5

1. women
2. prolonged standing
3. crossing knees
4. obesity

Question 6

treatment of varicose veins?

Answer 6

1. manual compressions
2. compressive bandages
3. legs above the heart
4. surgery = vein transplant, repair, removal