Blood is constantly moving through your body, pumped by the heart and carried to the body’s tissues via several systems of veins. Two major vein systems, found most commonly in the legs and arms, are the superficial veins and the deep veins. Superficial veins lie close to the skin while deep veins are found deep inside your body’s muscles. All veins transport oxygen-rich blood through the body, but the majority of waste-rich blood is pumped back towards the heart via the deep veins.
Because blood must be pumped against gravity back up to the heart, veins are equipped with tiny mechanisms called valves. Valve’s have two flaps whose edges meet, like tiny double doors. The valve’s job is to prevent blood from flowing backward, a problematic process called retrograde. This is how it works:
1. Oxygen-rich blood is pumped by the heart through the body and to the leg, for example;
2. Deep veins in the legs receive waste-rich blood from capillaries. This blood must be pumped up towards the heart against gravity and not be allowed to flow backwards. Calf muscles in the legs contract, or squeeze, and push the blood up;
3. Healthy valves open to let blood flow up, and then quickly close so no blood flows back. Valves work much like a one-way street or swinging door. Blood progresses up the leg against gravity with the help of the valves.
The calf muscles of the legs are important players in this valve and vein process. They squeeze blood up through open valves, and then relax, causing the valves to close and prevent blood flow or pooling blood to flow backwards. Blood gradually makes the climb towards the heart with each muscle contraction and closing valve. Naturally, gravity makes anything moving against it have difficulty reaching its goal.
This important and complex system, like any of the body’s systems, can have its share of problems. When a valve, vein, or muscle is not working properly, any of the following can result in:
– Stretching and twisting of the veins;
– Swelling;
– Slow blood flow;
– Additional valve injury;
– Lightheadedness, when blood is attempting to reach the brain;
All of these medical problems can be attributed to an ineffective valve or vein system. When a valve becomes stretched or injured, or a vein becomes weak or damaged, muscles relax, thereby causing blood to pool or flow backwards. The high pressure resulting from this unnatural blood flow can cause more difficult consequences over time. The veins and valves of the legs are especially susceptible to damage, due to the additional work they must perform to push the blood up towards the heart while you are standing. Such susceptibility can lead to the following common problems:
– Varicose veins: These veins are gnarled, twisted, enlarged, and unsightly. For many they are cosmetic problems, but for some they cause painful aching in the legs;
– Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot in one of the deep veins of the body. Some of these blood clots are small and can be dissolved by the body in time. Others, however, continue to grow, sometimes causing painful symptoms. They can block blood flow, and even break off and flow freely through a deep vein and be pumped towards the heart, where they block veins and cause death.
– Chronically swollen legs: Also called chronic venous insufficiency or edematous legs, persons with chronically swollen legs may face challenges when selecting and wearing clothes and shoes.
People of advanced age and women who are pregnant can be more susceptible to problems with valves and veins. Choosing foods rich in nutrients that maintain blood and vein health can help keep them functioning properly. You should also try these tips:
– Do not cross your legs;
– Try not to stand for long periods of time, especially on hard surfaces;
– Choose well cushioned shoes;
– Rest from long periods of sitting and exercise your legs;
– When resting, try to keep your legs elevated;
– Avoid tight socks and hosiery;
– Wear support hose to promote good blood circulation
These steps can aid your body in maintaining a healthy valve and vein system.