Tag Archives: tampa vein doctor

02.08.18
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Avoid a Heart Attack with These Key Tips

heart

heartStress has a horribly negative effect on your body.

The physical manifestation may begin as anxiety but it can quickly lead to high blood pressure, heart palpitations and even chest pains. Any discomfort centered in the chest is disarming and can make you worry. Rightly so, but it is important to know how to distinguish a possible heart attack from acute stress or a panic attack. 

Prevention is the best medicine. 

  • Eliminate things and people that cause you stress. Avoid it as much as you can even if it means saying no to people or events you would normally agree too.
  • The heart is a muscle. WOrking out and getting cardiovascular exercise can help your body deal more easily with stress.
  • Stop smoking.
  • Check your cholesterol.
  • High Blood Pressure left unregulated can wear out the heart and valves. Monitor your blood pressure. If it’s consistently high, talk with your doctor.
  • Eat lots of grains and fruits
  • Get omega-3’s in daily
  • Avoid trans fats
  • Talk. Venting is healthy for your mind, soul, and body.
  • Too much sugar can damage arteries. Monitor your blood sugar levels.

If your chest feels weird – like it’s under pressure, aches, has pain, heart palpitations or other uncomfortable sensations or just sense that something may be wrong, never ignore it and just hope it will go away. Visit Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. Worrying about your health and the unknown can also cause undue amounts of stress, when one visit and a checkup could very well put your fears to rest.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area we invite you to give us a call today 813-975-2800 or visit www.tampacardio.com. Our expert staff can help you get a clear picture of what is going on with your heart and your health and set you on the course to the best possible stress free mindset and healthy body possible.

01.16.18
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Massage & Varicose Veins

massage

massageWhen we are in pain, we look for any and all possible solutions to get to a place of feeling well again. When your muscles get tight a therapeutic massage can help to work the tension out. It only makes logical sense that you may wonder if massage would be a viable solution for the pain of varicose veins. The answer is, unfortunately, no.

Why is massage not a good option to relieve leg pain caused by weak or damaged veins?

Even though your legs are experiencing swelling and pain similar to what you might feel with overworked muscles, the root cause of the pain is entirely different.

The uncomfortable sensations in your legs are due to venous insufficiency which created by veins that have sustained damage.

The valves inside of these veins are no longer working and functioning fully. This can cause blood to pool inside of the veins, creating that heavy, achy, painful feeling. The increase in the volume of blood causes the vein walls weak due to increased pressure. Massage does not fix this problem like it does with tight muscles.

It is imperative that if you still choose to get a massage, that you inform the therapist of your condition.  Some therapists are specifically trained on venous and lymphatic diseases and may offer you a different sort of massage that may better offer you some relief. Its also not a great idea to apply too much pressure on damaged areas of veins so letting them know is beneficial all around.

If you are in pain due to varicose veins, the best solution is to contact a vein doctor such as the ones here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates.

Their specialists can advise you on tips to alleviate pain at home, and also guide you as far as what your options may be in getting rid of the damaged veins. New technology has given way to easy, minimally invasive procedures that require no recovery time and are performed in the doctor’s office.

If you live in the Tampa bay area, please call us at 813-975-2800 or schedule an evaluation through our online form. Patient comfort and care are a priority here at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates.

01.08.18
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If My Mother Had Spider Veins, Will I?

spider veins

spider veinsWe are hearing an awful lot about genetics and health in the news these days. It may be causing you to wonder if your mother, aunt or grandmother had spider veins  – you are destined to get them as well?

Spider veins are often thought of as just a cosmetic problem. The truth is they are a very real health issue.  They can appear anywhere on the leg and even arms and tiny veins of the face.

While the direct answer is yes, heredity does predispose you to develop them there are a number of other factors that come in to play. Your genes alone won’t guarantee the onset of vein issues.

How Genes Play a Role

There does appear to be a hereditary link. If you do have spider veins in your family, you can take precautionary steps to prevent them before they start. This means that if your predecessors had significant spider veins, you are also more likely to have them. Weaker veins are the link and as a weak cellular structure, they are more likely to be damaged. 

What Causes Spider Veins?

Spider veins are tiny surface veins that have an excess of blood flowing through them resulting in enlarged vessels which eventually reach a breaking point and leak. That leakage then becomes visible. Spider veins can be singular or a conglomerate of veins forming the spider web type shape that they are named for.

Additional Factors That Come Into Play

Even if no one in your family has ever shown symptoms of venous insufficiency you can still develop spider veins.

-Weight – The greater the weight, the more pressure on your veins.

-Trauma – When struck directly, damage can occur leaving varicose and spider veins visible. 

-Hormones – menopause, and pregnancy often can cause fluctuations leaving visible vein damage. 

-Birth control pill use – creates hormonal fluctuations much like pregnancy and can have an effect.

-Age – spider veins are much more common over age 50.

-Lack of movement – Make sure you get regular exercise and stretch every couple of hours if working at a desk.

-Standing – standing long hours puts you at higher risk.

Prevention Tips

-Walk daily to keep your calf muscles and your veins in top shape

-Elevate your legs

-Maintain your weight

-If you sit or stand most of the day, take frequent breaks.

-Wear compression stockings to help the blood flow properly

If you do develop spider or varicose veins there are highly effective treatment options available.

Consult with your Vein Specialist at West Florida Vein Center www.westfloridaveincenter.com or call 727-712-3233 and schedule your appointment for a vein screening to get started. 

12.04.17
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Are Your Legs Ashy?

ashy

ashyMost people will just assume that they are getting dehydrated and need to up the water intake or shop for a better quality moisturizing lotion. The thing is if found in conjunction with other signs and symptoms ashy itchy legs may indicate an underlying venous deficiency.

Dry Skin or Venous Insufficiency?

If this problem only rears its ugly head in the drier fall and winter seasons as the temperatures drop and the humidity leaves the air you may just be experiencing dry winter skin. It is recommended to raise your water intake as well as eat healthy fats daily. Lotion should be used right out of the shower to retain as much moisture as possible.

On the flip side, if you also find your legs to be achy, swollen, itchy, red, or you can visibly see bluish or purple veins through the surface layer of your skin you may need to consult with a vein specialist such as those at The West Floria Vein Center. 

Screening procedures allow the specialists to tell if you have vein issues and to what extent. Once properly diagnosed recommendations can be made as to the best course of treatment will help you the most.

Ashy skin may be unsightly, but it also can indicate an underlying issue and it is important to have yourself checked. Stop leg pain, varicose and spider veins in their tracks before it is too late. Life is meant to be lived in health and with mobility. Living in pain isn’t necessary.

Most procedures that help alleviate the pain and appearance of varicose and spider veins are done in an outpatient setting under local anesthesia. Patients report very little discomfort and have a very high level of satisfaction with many remarking that they only wish they had done it sooner.

If you are in the Tampa, Florida area please consult with The West Florida Vein Center (727) 712-3233 www.westlforidaveincenter.com

10.03.17
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Spider Vein Myths – Busted

spider vein

spider veinWe were amazed to find just how much misinformation is floating around out there on the world wide web. No wonder everyone is so confused. Allow us to clarify.

Myth #1: Only overweight people get spider veins.

While weight may be a risk factor for developing spider veins, being overweight alone does not guarantee that you’ll develop them. They’re more often the result of genetics, hormone changes, aging, and other factors.

Myth #2: You can only get spider veins on your legs.

Totally false. While they’re more common on the legs and ankles, spider veins can also develop on your face. Spider veins appear as tiny wiggly lines of red, blue, or purple blood vessels. Individuals with fair skin who don’t take steps to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful ultra-violet rays can develop spider veins on their cheeks.

Myth #3: Topical creams that contain high doses of Vitamin K can help reduce the appearance of spider veins.

It’s true that without Vitamin K, our blood would have trouble coagulating and uncontrolled bleeding could occur. Vitamin K is also an important nutrient for heart health. But while Vitamin K has been used over the years to treat bruising and to reduce rosacea, there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that it improves vein health when applied topically.

Myth #4: Drinking ginger tea with honey or diluted cayenne pepper in hot water are two natural, effective treatments for getting rid of spider veins.

Some home remedy or homeopathic websites suggest that ginger can help improve circulation and dissolve proteins that build up in damaged veins. Others suggest cayenne pepper is rich in bioflavonoids, which can increase blood circulation and ease the pain associated with swollen veins. However, neither cure-all carries much weight, and there’s no scientific evidence to suggest that either alternative approach works.

Myth #5: “I don’t need to see a doctor for spider veins because they’re not like varicose veins. They’re just a sign of old age.”

When the skin above spider veins grows tender and warm to the touch, or when veins become painful or bleed, it’s time to see a vein specialist. Spider veins can be associated with other more-serious conditions, such as skin ulcers or phlebitis, the inflammation of a vein caused by a blood clot.

For more myths and half-truths about vein health check out the article five common myths about varicose veins as well as common spider vein myths.

Get the truth about varicose veins, spider veins, and treatment options from the trusted professionals at West Florida Vein Center, a division of Surgical Associates of West Florida. To request a consultation or for more information, visit www.westfloridaveincenter.com or call 727-712-3233.

08.08.17
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Restless Legs at Night – Here is the Cause

RLS

RLSWhen you try and lay down at night to fall asleep do your legs start moving and twitching involuntarily? This is what is known as Restless Leg Syndrome. It can range from uncomfortable to incredibly annoying, even painful and lead to insomnia, which in turn can bring about other lack of sleep related health problems.

 

Restless leg syndrome is a chronic disorder that affects up to 10 percent of Americans and twice as many women as men, according to the Cleveland Clinic. The movements make it difficult to sleep or sit comfortably for long periods of time and can lead to insomnia or trouble staying awake during the daytime.

While restless leg syndrome can have several underlying genetic and health causes, those suffering from venous insufficiency may have symptoms consistent with RLS. Venous insufficiency is typically the result of blood clots and varicose veins and occurs when there is inadequate blood flow through the veins, which causes blood to pool.

The most common treatment for sufferers of venous insufficiency is a compression stocking or an elastic stocking that creates pressure around a target area on the leg. Compression stockings can improve blood flow and reduce swelling. Additional relief may be achieved by keeping your legs elevated, keeping your legs uncrossed when sitting, avoiding dietary triggers and, of course, regular exercise.

Some physicians may prescribe medications, such as an anticoagulant to thin the blood or a diuretic to draw fluid from the body.

More serious cases of venous insufficiency may require surgery to repair or remove veins. Those procedures could involve minimally invasive endoscopic surgery to tie off varicose veins, laser surgery to close a damaged vein or sclerotherapy — the injection of a chemical into a vein to shrink and permanently close it.

For those with a family history of venous insufficiency, medical experts recommend staying active, not smoking or quitting smoking and maintaining a healthy body weight. Talk to your healthcare provider about what type of treatment is best for you.

For a vein specialist referral, or for more information on vein disorders and treatments, visit http://www.westfloridaveincenter.com/contact/