Vein Diseases Linked with Superficial and Deep Veins

Did you know how blood circulates in your body? It is the vascular system that transports blood to all parts of the body. Veins are an essential part of this circulatory system.

Problems in veins can occur at any time. Commonly, a blood clot or a vein defect is the cause behind them.

Today, we will discuss the difference between superficial and deep veins as well as the vein diseases associated with them.

What are Deep Veins?

Location

As the name suggests, they are located deep inside the body. These veins run below the muscles of the thigh and calf. They are present beside an artery of the same name.

Deep veins are divided into seven categories, all present in the body's lower extremities.

Role

Deep veins play a central role in the circulatory system. Compared to superficial veins, they are large in size and are responsible for carrying a major part of the blood (around 90%).

They receive blood from the superficial veins and transfer it to the heart. These veins contain a one-way valve for the flow of blood.

Common Deep Vein Diseases

Some critical medical conditions can originate from the deep veins, such as:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

It occurs due to blood clotting and can become life-threatening if the clot breaks. Usually, DVT occurs in the legs, but it can occur in other deep veins, too.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)

It occurs when the vein cannot return blood to the heart due to the improper functioning of the valve. DVT is one of the most common causes of CVI. This condition results in swelling and discomfort.

What are Superficial Veins?

Location

These veins are located close to the skin's surface. You can often notice them while lifting weights or during intense training sessions.

Role

They transport blood from the tissues that are close to the skin's surface to the deep veins.

Common Superficial Vein Diseases

Superficial vein thrombosis

Like deep vein thrombosis, superficial vein thrombosis is the presence of a blood clot in the superficial veins. However, superficial veins do not have surrounding muscles that can squeeze the clot. This is why these veins can rarely break a clot.

Venous reflux

In this condition, blood flows backward instead of upward (towards the heart). This condition develops when the valve of the vein is not closed properly.

Varicose veins

These are the swollen and enlarged veins that usually occur on the legs. Due to improper functioning of the valves, blood pools in the veins, causing varicose veins.

Thankfully, due to medical advancements, successful treatment of the above conditions is present. Comprehensive Vein Care clinic offers numerous modern-day techniques for treating vein diseases. Book your appointment today!