Our age plays a significant role in our vein health. Vein damage is cumulative, so the longer we live, the more strain our veins have experienced. By the time we reach an advanced age, our legs have undergone many years of stress.
Our lifestyle also plays an important role. As we age, we tend to get less physically active. The lack of physical activity strains our venous system and encourages weight gain, further stressing our veins. Muscle mass is declining as we age, which decreases support for our veins.
It’s not impossible to maintaining your vein health as you age. Following up with a regular exercise regimen, particularly one that incorporates swimming or using a pool, is a great way to support your circulatory system in your legs. It’s just as important to keep a healthy weight. Any extra weight strains your veins and can weaken valves.
Compression therapy as part of medical care to support your veins is notably effective. It helps with maintaining your vein health and preventing damage as you age. Compression garments promote healthy blood flow and prevent veins from leaking. They are easy to use, inexpensive and typically the first treatment recommended for many patients.
Prevention is always the best treatment for aging veins. Once veins are damaged and leaking, they cannot be repaired. However, damaged veins can be closed off or removed, which forces the body to reroute the blood supply away from surface veins to healthy, deeper veins. These deeper veins have more muscle surrounding them, providing greater support.
If you are wondering whether you’re at risk of developing vein disease, please schedule an appointment Varicose Vein Clinic of BC Vascular Surgeon, Dr. James Hunte, to discuss your concerns.
