Once upon a time there were “half seasons”. Spring was a period of transition that somehow accompanied us, from a climatic point of view, to the outbreak of the summer heat. Today, as demonstrated by the temperatures of recent days throughout Italy, this no longer seems to be the case. Thermal values have soared and there are already those who speak of the “tropicalisation” of the climate.
Regardless of point of view, there is no doubt that for almost one in three women (and men are certainly not immune) heat brings back the symptoms of venous insufficiency. Swollen and itchy legs these are just some of the signs that circulation is not working. What to do? And above all, how to limit the risks?
Because the heat is dangerous for the circulation of the veins
The action of heat, it must be said, is now very clear. ”The heat exacerbates the symptoms of venous insufficiency of the lower limbs, a chronic pathology caused by the difficulty of the blood in returning from the peripheral veins of the legs to the heart: a problem mistakenly considered only aesthetic which instead requires attention and care – recalls Alessandro Frullini, honorary president of the Italian Phlebological Association”.
“In particular, heat-related edema is the result of an abnormal accumulation of fluids in the tissues that it causes the dilation of blood vessels and the weakening of the small valves that regulate the flow in the vessels, making it difficult for the veins to pump blood towards the heart – explains Edoardo Cervi, scientific director of the Italian Phlebological Association (AFI). Venous insufficiency of the lower limbs affects around 30% of women, but not even men are immune, even if they tend to ignore and underestimate the problem – underlines Cervi -. In fact, 15% of the male population suffers from swollen and painful legs.”
However, the incidence of venous insufficiency increases with age especially in women: between the ages of 20 and 30, it affects 20% of women and 10% of men, while after the age of 50, men remain unchanged at 20% and women, with the arrival of menopause which causes a weakening of the vessel blood, rise to 50%. In practice, among the over 50s, 1 in 2 suffers from venous insufficiency.
Venous insufficiency, because women are more at risk
The signs and symptoms of vein distress are typical. They range from swelling to inexplicable tingling, to reach a heaviness that is difficult to control, all disorders resulting from venous insufficiency. Veins, unlike arteries, do not have a highly developed muscular layer. Indeed, their wall is very thin and often the valves inside them are unable to “compensate” for the effort. Result: the liquid tends to exit the vessels, through the capillaries and settle.
The veins dilate, In short. And her feet, inexorably, “swell” at the ankles. In this mechanism there is a further element at play: the valves of the veins. These are real “control systems” found inside the vessels, and when they close they prevent the blood from flowing downwards instead of rising towards the heart, “flooding” the circulation to the point of overloading the vein.
If the valves do not perform their function and the muscle pump is not active, a negative mixture is created, which leads to the constant dilation of the venous walls. Not only that: the vein can lose its natural shape, and from straight it transforms into tortuous, dilating further. At this point the first varicose veins may appear. Finally, in addition to the pushing force, the resistance to blood circulation can also be harmful. This is why tight clothing, too tight belts, coughing and constipation can make the situation worse.
In fact, the increase in pressure inside the abdomen forces the blood inside the veins to move upwards. And therefore the risk of the venous walls becoming exhausted increases. It is women who are most at riskand not only as a legacy of pregnancy but due to a fundamentally weaker venous structure compared to men which also leads them to have a greater risk of the appearance of varicose veins.
How to behave?
Symptoms of venous insufficiency are often generic. But they must be assessed by the doctor, who can indicate a lifestyle and any pharmacological and unsuitable therapies. It would be important to act before dilated capillaries appear on the legs, to prevent fearful complications, such as varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and highly disabling ulcers.
In a preventative way, all of those are useful activities that strengthen muscle contraction which helps the veins push the blood up. Translated: you should dedicate yourself regularly, obtaining at least half an hour of “movement” a day, to activities that are not affected by the action of gravity due to the effect of water, such as water aerobics or new things. In water in fact, the environmental pressure in which the legs move decreases, with an improvement in blood circulation conditions.
What if we are in the countryside? Nothing serious: too walk or take a short bike ride can be helpful. The important thing is that there is the right compression on the calves, to help the blood flow back up. For this reason, experts recommend the use of elastic stockings: For those who often have swollen feet, they should ensure a compression of around at least 70 denier, although the choice must always be indicated by the doctor. But be careful: clothing and habits, and not just socks, also play their part. If it is true that the push from below is useful, remember that “at the top”, i.e. in the abdomen, the pressure must drop. No to tight, tight shorts and trousers, watch out for belts that can block too much, and also pay attention to your diet.
The intestine must not become “lazy” (this is also why movement is useful). Lots of fiber and lots of water are the basis of well-being in this sense. What matters is that the abdominal pressure is not too high and therefore forces the blood inside the veins to be pushed further
Tags: Swollen legs prevent venous insufficiency women risk
