Cardiovascular System Basics with the West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor, Florida

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A Look at the Cardiovascular System

At The West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor | Tampa Bay, Florida, we understand that the majority of our patients are not physicians themselves and have only a basic layman’s understanding of the vascular system. While this is generally enough information, as a person ages or their vein health becomes an issue, there may come a time when treatment at a vein center by a licensed vascular specialist becomes necessary.

For those who become vein patients, a certain level of understanding of the cardiovascular system becomes crucial in understanding and addressing what is going on in their own bodies.

We have included a basic easy to follow introduction to the vascular system in this article. This guide is simply intended to introduce some of the vocabulary words your doctor will likely be using with you, ensuring that their directions and recommendations are clear.

The circulatory system is made up of a series of blood vessels designed to carry blood, oxygen, and nutrients delivering them throughout the body. Waste products your body doesn’t need is picked up at the same time throughout the tissues and carried to the correct locations for disposal.

The types of Blood vessels and what they do

  • Capillaries are extremely numerous and tiny blood vessels located between the veins and arteries. The main purpose of capillaries is to assist both the arteries and the veins as they perform their functions. Capillaries distribute the oxygenated blood from the arteries out into the cells, and then collect the waste and distribute it back into the veins.
  • Veins are medium-sized vessels that perform an extremely important function in the circulatory system. It is the job of the body’s veins to pump blood from throughout the body’s tissues back to the heart, expanding as they collect waste.
  • Arteries are the largest, fewest, and most vital vessels within the human body. The purpose of arteries is to carry oxygen-rich blood pumped directly out of the heart and distribute it throughout all other tissues. The body’s major arteries are quite large but break down into smaller and smaller branches in order to be able to reach all of the body’s organs.

It’s easy to see how vital this system is. Other important bodily systems – the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems, as well as the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature – would not be able to function without nearly constant interaction from the vascular system. Because the pumping action in the vascular system must constantly battle with the force of gravity, the body’s arteries, veins, and capillaries must work very hard, and they are highly sensitive to problems and issues.

While you may understand the vascular system a little better after reading this, unless you are a physician you will most likely not be able to self-diagnose or treat any venous conditions that come up. Without a properly functioning system of blood vessels to distribute oxygen and eliminate waste, the body would simply fail.

To learn more about the vascular system and the importance of your vascular health, please get in touch with Dr. Zuzga at West Florida Vein Center today. www.westfloridaveincenter.com. (727) 712-3233 to schedule your appointment.

 

Treatment Options for Varicose Veins in Safety Harbor, Florida

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varicose veins west florida vein centerIf you have put off healing yourself from varicose veins or even going for a consultation with a Vein Specialist because you didn’t think you could afford a cosmetic procedure, wait no longer. Most vein issues are not considered cosmetic and are covered under insurance!

If you have varicose veins it means you have a condition known as Venous insufficiency. This is an indication of physical damage to your veins. Leaving damaged veins untreated can lead to the spreading of damage making things worse. Even if they do not start out painful, often can lead to pain.

Vein issues can make your legs feel tired, achy, itchy, and even painful. When left untreated for a very long time ulcerations can occur which are very difficult to heal.

The best course of action is to make an appointment, have an exam, and find out what exactly you are dealing with as well as a recommended best course of treatment to get you back to health.

Dr. Mark Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center has been treating patients for years now with much success. In-office, they offer several state-of-the-art medical options that can heal those damaged veins for good.

Option 1: The Venefit Procedure Endovenous Targeted Therapy – We proudly offer the Venefit™ procedure, formerly known as the VNUS Closure™ procedure, for the treatment of varicose veins and CVI. The Venefit™ procedure is a minimally invasive segmental ablation treatment that utilizes radiofrequency (RF) energy to provide an even and uniform heat to contract the collagen in the vein walls, causing them to collapse and seal. Once the diseased vein is closed, blood will re-route itself to other healthy veins.

The Venefit™ procedure allows for a quick, comfortable recovery and a return to everyday activities for the average patient, while also improving the appearance of varicose veins.

The Venefit™ procedure has been proven in clinical studies to have excellent long term effectiveness, with less pain and bruising than endovenous laser.

*A comparison of the patient experience between those treated with the Venefit ™procedure, using the Covidien ClosureFast™ Endovenous Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA) Catheter, and those treated with 980nm laser ablation.

Option 2: Sclerotherapy – Sclerotherapy involves the injection, via a very fine needle, of a solution into small to medium varicose veins and spider veins. The solution causes the veins to shrink, close off, and gradually disappear. A session usually lasts approximately 15 minutes. There are few reported allergic reactions to the solution used. Depending on the number of veins, multiple sessions may be required, which will be decided after the initial consultation and evaluation.   Sclerotherapy is sometimes used alone but in the instance of very small spider veins, laser treatment is also used.

Option 3: Microphlebectomy / Phlebectomy – Varicose veins are micro-surgically removed through tiny punctures about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen.  The word “phlebectomy” literally means removing the vein. On the day of the procedure, the doctor or nurse will mark your leg where the veins bulge out. Then, a special local anesthetic (numbing medication) called “tumescent” is injected into the area surrounding your vein. The doctor will make tiny incisions or “stabs” of about 2-3mm – the size of a ball-point pen tip – and use a crochet-type hook to “grab” the vein and remove it. This interrupts the vein, causes any remaining portions of the vein to “clot off”, and gets rid of those unsightly bulgy areas!

Option 4: EVLT (Endovenous Laser Treatment or Endovenous Ablation) – This revolutionary new treatment for large varicose veins was pioneered at Cornell University in New York. Originally performed in Spain, the EndoVenous Laser Ablation is performed in the office, takes less than an hour, and accomplishes the same thing as a major surgical vein stripping. Using ultrasound guidance and local anesthesia, a thin laser fiber in a catheter is threaded up through the vein. As the catheter is slowly withdrawn, the laser shrinks and seals the large vein that causes varicose veins in most patients. There is little or no visible scarring. In those patients who are candidates for the procedure, it is 97% successful.

Interested to learn more and find out what option may be right for you? Don’t wait. Call us today at (727) 712-3233 or visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more about each procedure.

Natural Vein Health Support

varicose-veins-natural-remedies West florida vein

varicose-veins-natural-remedies West florida veinVaricose veins are not only a visual distraction they are also often painful and uncomfortable. Lifestyle alterations can help – exercising more regularly, quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight – all can do wonders. While the best options to permanently eliminate varicose veins are medical in nature there are some natural things you can do at home which may help support vein health overall.

Looking to nature’s medicine cabinet you may find some relief with the following vitamins and herbs.

B Vitamins – B vitamins can lower your cholesterol and improve your overall circulation, with B12 and B6 being specially recommended for those at risk of developing blood clots.

Vitamin C – vitamin C is important for the production of collagen and elastin, tissues that help to keep vein walls strong and flexible, helping greatly to reduce the pain and inflammation associated with varicose veins.

Vitamin E – often used alongside vitamin C, vitamin E is important for improving blood flow and general circulation, and also reduces the stickiness of blood platelets to assist those who are at particular risk for blood clot formation.

Gotu Kola – also known as Centella Asiatica, Gotu kola is an effective herb in treating varicose veins because it encourages healthy blood flow, promotes vein flexibility, and tones the connective tissues which surround the veins.

Bilberry – often sold as a companion product to Gotu kola, bilberry is an antioxidant herb that improves blood flow by strengthening capillaries.

Horse Chestnut Seed – typically sold as an over-the-counter supplement called Venastat, horse chestnut seed extract helps varicose veins by reducing fluid retention, swelling, and inflammation.

Butcher’s Broom – an herb that has proven to be especially effective when used in combination with horse chestnut seed, butcher’s broom works by strengthening the walls of blood vessels.

For more information on natural remedies for varicose vein treatment and prevention, contact Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center today at (727) 712-3233.

*Please check with your doctor prior to taking any vitamins or supplements for your venous condition. While the supplements listed above have been proven to be safe in most situations,  it is always best to double-check with a professional before taking anything that might interact negatively with any current medications or conditions.

Treat Your Vein Issues This Winter!

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You shouldn’t have to suffer from painful embarrassing vein problems. Nor should you have to cover up and feel self-conscious.

This winter be kind to yourself. It is the perfect time to stop putting off vein treatment and get back to feeling like yourself again!

If you are dealing with venous insufficiency issues you know that having varicose, spider or other vein problems can wear you down. They can make you self conscious and can be painful on a daily basis. Many patients give up on summer and wear long pants year round making hotter months far less comfortable.

If you’ve made the decision to treat your varicose or spider veins this winter, the West Florida Vein Center in Safety Harbor of Tampa, Florida can provide you the treatments you need. We offer a wide selection including minimally invasive treatments: ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy, radiofrequency thermal ablation, and endovenous laser ablation. Browse our website to learn more about the conditions we treat and the options we offer. Give us a call to schedule a screening today!

TREATING VEINS DURING THE WINTER MONTHS MAKES THE HEALING TIME EASIER!

The Cold Helps You to Avoid Pain and Irritation

If you have varicose veins, you are more likely to experience pain and irritation during the winter season due to being less active. Pain and irritation are also common during the warmer months, but constant physical outdoor activity can help ease some of the irritation. Many consider having vein treatment at the beginning of the winter season allowing treatment of the problem before it has a chance to cause you any more discomfort.

Treated Areas are Less Likely to be Exposed to the Sun

When receiving vein treatment one side effect to watch for is discoloration. Discoloration is common when the areas are exposed to direct sunlight. Doctors recommend that patients cover up the treated areas for the first few weeks following therapy. In the winter we naturally tend to wear more clothing anyway, allowing less sun exposure while still remaining comfortable.

Compression Stockings Are More Comfortable During the Winter

Compression stockings can help you find relief both before and after your vein treatment. Compression socks are available in a wide variety of colors and styles, many patients feel uncomfortably hot wearing them during the warmer months of the year. Also if style is a concern, compression socks and shorts likely aren’t going to be your ideal combination.

Give Yourself Time to Heal Before Spring

Receiving vein treatment during the winter is ideal as it allows plenty of time to heal and recover, giving you the freedom of wearing whatever you want when spring and summer finally arrive!

The Time Is Now!

If you’re ready to finally stop the pain and discomfort that has kept you from living your life to its full potential, Dr. Mark Zuzga can provide you with the vein treatment you deserve at the West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor located in Tampa Bay, Florida. www.westfloridaveincenter.com 727-712-3233.

Vein Disease Worsened By the Habit of Smoking

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The fact is that smoking cigarettes does direct damage to your circulatory system and if you have venous disease already it will exacerbate it. 

smoking-veins-west-florida-vein-center-tampa-floridaThe damage done to the circulatory system is most noticeable in the form of surface-level varicose and spider veins. Vein disease often causes pain on top of cosmetic embarrassment, but the true damage and potential for life-threatening issues occur internally.

The full damage cannot be fully viewed without an examination by a vein specialist. One of the more serious conditions that can come from venous disease is DVT deep vein thrombosis. DVT is a condition that occurs when blood clots form within the deep veins.

Deep vein thrombosis can cause the life-threatening condition known as a pulmonary embolism. Pulmonary embolisms can occur when a blood clot started by DVT breaks off, travels through the bloodstream, and becomes stuck in the lungs. This clot can block and prevent blood flow, and even result in death. Smokers are 50% more likely to develop DVT than are non-smokers.

How exactly does smoking affect a person’s vascular system?

The toxic chemicals which are added to cigarettes wreak havoc on the body’s circulatory system. Nicotine causes arteries to narrow and harden, greatly increasing the risk for the formation of blood clots. Other chemical compounds found in cigarettes thicken blood reducing the oxygen flow. This slows the blood flow. With both of these factors combined,  it’s easy to understand that smoking thickens the blood and at the same time narrows the path that it has to travel through. This can lead to some very serious health conditions.

The best solution for preventing smoking-related venous disease is to never start smoking. For those who already smoke, the best advice is to stop smoking immediately.

The damage done from smoking is not completely irreversible. Quitting can greatly reduce the risks of cigarette-related venous disease, as well as reduce the risks of cancer and heart disease. If you choose to keep smoking being a lifetime smoker almost guarantees a vascular surgery in their future.

Many vein conditions are now easily treatable with minimally invasive techniques and procedures, with many patients reporting little to no pain as well as almost immediate relief of their symptoms. Contact our staff today to learn about the many options available to you and to schedule an appointment at our state of the art Tampa vein center. The West Florida Vein Center looks forward to serving you. www.westfloridaveincenter.com

(727) 712-3233.

Reduce Alcohol Intake for Vein Health

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varicose-veins-alcohol-Dr-zuzga-That’s right. The health of your veins can be majorly impacted by what you choose to put in your body. Alcohol being one of the very worst offenders when it comes to damaging vein and circulatory health.

Vein disease can begin because of family genetics and you are even more prone if you are a woman. The good news is that there are many factors completely within your control. Weight, diet, activity level, and lifestyle including drinking excessively and or doing drugs can have a big effect on health.

When it comes to health and diet, people are quick to analyze what they are eating but often overlook what they drink. Excessive alcohol consumptions effect on varicose veins is a lesser contributing factor, but it should nevertheless be taken into account when considering potential causes of venous insufficiency.

Varicose veins are caused due to a circulatory malfunction. It is a fact that alcohol affects blood circulation so it should come as no shock that the two are intertwined. The body’s circulatory system consists of the heart, veins, valves, and arteries. They all assist in pumping blood from the heart, through the body, then returned to the heart once again.

Blood is pumped back up to the heart through the veins by way of a series of one-way valves that open in the direction of the heart closing immediately after the blood has passed. When valves are damaged they are unable to prevent a backflow of blood. This backwash causes pressure to build up in the veins which result in the swollen, bulging, and enlarged appearance associated with varicose veins.

When alcohol is consumed it increases the heart rate. This makes your entire circulatory system work harder as a result. Because alcohol intake also has a direct effect on a person’s liver, which is responsible for filtering blood as it is circulated, alcohol attacks the veins from multiple angles. When the liver is unable to properly filter the blood of toxins and waste, the blood becomes thicker and more viscous, making it even harder for those already fragile leg veins to function properly.

Consuming alcohol does not automatically lead to varicose veins if no other risk factors are present, it can make the development of varicose veins and venous insufficiency far more likely in those people who are predisposed to such conditions or who are already experiencing symptoms.

Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center is not going to tell you that you should never drink alcohol  again, if your goal is healthy veins he may suggest that it is wise to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages if varicose veins are already present or if your gender, age, or family history makes you a likely candidate for future venous disease.

Interested to learn more?
Visit www.westfloridaveincernter.com or call (727) 712-3233 to schedule an in-person appointment with Dr. Zuzga of the West Florida Vein Center.

Vein Disease – What Can I Do To Help Prevent It?

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varicose veins west florida veinThough you can’t fight genetics the way you live has a major impact on your circulatory systems health and the resulting possibility of vein issues.

Keep Your Weight In Check

Obesity can put you at risk for a heart disease, cancer, and vein issues.

Many studies have shown a direct correlation between obesity and the risk for vein disease.

Carrying too much extra fat adds extra unnecessary pressure on your entire circulatory system. This is especially problematic in the pelvic region, where the veins from our legs re-enter the main body cavity. When inner hip veins are compressed it increases pressure on the valves within the upper veins of the leg, leading to the failure of those valves which results in circulatory issues in our legs aka varicose and spider veins.

Elevation is Key

Putting your legs up allows gravity to assist blood flow back to your heart. Directions: 15 minutes two to three times a day. Making sure your legs are above your heart.

Clothing

Avoid constrictive clothing, especially shoes with high heels as these could lead to vein disorders.  Do not wear spanks, girdles, garters or socks that have tight elastic bands. Now, this does not mean compression hosiery. Compression socks are specifically designed to help the veins rather than hinder. Modern compression hosiery is now made out of materials and in styles that makes it fashionable and attractive for anyone to wear. Quality compression hosiery provides pressure to protect the veins in our legs and help feel better and less tired at the end of a day.

Exercise

Staying active is the best thing you can do to prevent or minimize vein problems. Muscle builds and supports the circulatory system. The act of walking naturally expands and contracts the leg muscles pumping the blood throughout our bodies. Walk more, sit less.

Smoking

Simply said? Don’t smoke.  Smoking narrows the blood vessels. It is detrimental to your health and can spur on the onset of vein issues.

Hydration
Stay hydrated. Drink 1 gallon of water daily to keep your blood clean and flowing as it should. 

If you start to see any hint of spider or varicose veins you will want to pay attention to the advice above. If you see it start to advance come into West Florida Vein Center in Safety Harbor, Florida serving the Tampa Bay region and have Dr. Mark Zuzga evaluate your condition so that you get the best possible results. www.westfloridaveincenter.com or call (727) 712-3233.