Varicose veins and Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) are both conditions affecting the circulatory system. While they share some common symptoms and can both impact the legs, their underlying causes and primary manifestations differ. Understanding these distinctions is important for recognizing symptoms and seeking appropriate care.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged, twisted, and often bulging, typically appearing just beneath the skin’s surface, most commonly in the legs. They develop when the one-way valves inside the veins weaken or become damaged. These valves normally help blood flow upward towards the heart, but when faulty, they allow blood to pool, increasing pressure within the vein and causing it to stretch and swell.
Common symptoms include visible blue or purple bulges, a feeling of aching or heaviness in the legs, and swelling, particularly after prolonged standing or sitting. Some individuals may also experience itching or burning sensations around the affected veins, and muscle cramps, often at night. Factors such as age, genetics, pregnancy, obesity, and prolonged standing or sitting can increase the likelihood of developing varicose veins.
Understanding Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a broad term encompassing circulatory conditions that affect blood vessels outside of the heart and brain. It typically involves either the narrowing, blockage, or spasms of these blood vessels, leading to reduced blood flow to the limbs, most frequently the legs and feet. While PVD can refer to various conditions affecting both arteries and veins, it is most commonly associated with Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
Peripheral Artery Disease is primarily caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits, known as plaque, build up inside the arteries, narrowing them and restricting blood flow. General symptoms of PAD include leg pain or cramping that occurs during activity and subsides with rest, known as claudication. Other signs can involve non-healing sores or ulcers on the feet or legs, numbness, weakness, and changes in skin color or temperature in the affected limb.
Are Varicose Veins a Form of PVD?
While Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD) is a broad term, it primarily refers to arterial conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Varicose veins, conversely, are fundamentally a venous problem, affecting veins that return deoxygenated blood to the heart, rather than arteries that carry oxygenated blood away. Therefore, typical varicose veins are not considered a form of PAD.
However, PVD is a broader category that includes conditions affecting the veins, such as Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Severe varicose veins can be a visible manifestation or contributing factor to CVI. CVI occurs when valves in the leg veins are severely damaged, leading to persistent blood pooling and increased pressure. This can cause more extensive symptoms than simple varicose veins, and CVI is considered a form of peripheral venous disease under the PVD umbrella.
When Varicose Veins Signal Broader Health Concerns
While many varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic concern, some can indicate more significant underlying vascular issues, particularly Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI). Persistent leg swelling, especially around the ankles, suggests the venous system is struggling to return blood effectively. Skin changes, such as brown or reddish-brown discoloration, often around the ankles, are a sign of advancing CVI.
The skin might also become hardened, thickened, or develop dry, scaly, and itchy eczema-like rashes. Non-healing ulcers, typically near the ankles, are a serious complication indicating advanced CVI. Severe varicose veins can also increase the risk of blood clots, such as superficial thrombophlebitis (a clot in a vein just under the skin) or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Seek medical attention if varicose vein symptoms worsen, or if there is sudden swelling, pain, skin changes, or any bleeding from the veins.