Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are common, affecting more than 30% of adults in the United States, and not usually a serious health concern. However, Zia Khan, MD, FACC, FSCAI, at Desert Cardiovascular Consultants in Las Vegas, Nevada, recommends scheduling an evaluation for varicose veins to ensure they’re not a symptom of a more serious circulation problem. Dr. Khan also offers treatments to get rid of varicose veins. Call today or schedule your evaluation by clicking the online booking tool.

Why do I have varicose veins?

You have varicose veins because of damage to the valves or walls in your veins, allowing blood to flow backward and pool. The pooling blood causes the veins to expand, making them visible.

Many people develop varicose veins as they age because of age-related changes that affect the elasticity of the veins, making them weak. You’re at greater risk of developing varicose veins if they run in your family or you spend a lot of time standing or sitting.  

Varicose veins may affect any vein in the body but are more common in the legs.

Should I worry about varicose veins?

Varicose veins aren’t a serious health concern. However, they’re a sign of a potential circulation problem and can cause uncomfortable symptoms, such as:

• Leg fatigue
• Muscle weakness
• Itching or burning sensation
• Swelling in the ankles
• Leg ulcers

If you have varicose veins that cause these symptoms, schedule an appointment at Desert Cardiovascular Consultants.

What happens during a varicose veins evaluation?

Dr. Khan takes a patient-centered approach to care, asking detailed questions about your concerns and goals. He reviews your medical and family histories and performs a physical exam.

He then conducts a vascular ultrasound to evaluate the movement of blood through your veins to confirm or rule out chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a vascular condition in which the veins in the legs cannot adequately pump blood back to the heart. 

What treatments can get rid of my varicose veins?

Desert Cardiovascular Consultants is a state-of-the-art practice offering many treatment options to eliminate varicose veins. Treatment for varicose veins includes:

Laser or radiofrequency ablation

Laser and radiofrequency ablation are minimally invasive treatments that use heat to destroy varicose veins. For the procedure, Dr. Khan inserts a catheter into the vein and delivers laser or radiofrequency energy, causing the vein to collapse and close.

Your body reroutes blood through healthy veins, and the varicose vein disappears over time.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is an injection for varicose veins. The injection contains a chemical that seals the vein to stop further blood flow. 

Phlebectomy

A phlebectomy is the surgical removal of a vein.

The type of procedure you need depends on the size and location of your varicose veins. 

Call Desert Cardiovascular Consultants today or book an appointment online to learn more about treatments for your varicose veins.