Vein Disease

Home / Vein Disease

What is Vein Disease?

Our bodies are composed of a network of blood vessels made up of arteries and veins. Arteries carry oxygen-rich blood from the heart to various parts of the body. During this process, the blood loses oxygen and must return to the heart. Our veins are the blood vessels that return blood to the heart.

Within our veins are small valves that help return blood to the heart. If blood attempts to move away from the heart these valves should close, preventing backwards flow. This backward flow is called ‘reflux’ or ‘insufficiency’.

As people age, or are subject to injury or genetic predisposition, these valves can fail or reflux which results in uncomfortable symptoms.

Early symptoms may seem minor. Without proper medical treatment, vein disease can progress and become serious or disabling. Due to gravity, we see vein disease more frequently in the lower extremities than in other parts of the body.

What are the Symptoms of Chronic Vein Disease?

Chronic vein disease is also referred to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). CVI can range from mild cosmetic forms to more severe forms that can cause ulcers or other serious health concerns. Some of the symptoms are as follows:

Varicose Veins

Large dark-colored veins visible below the surface of the skin, occur from an increase in pressure within the vein.

Learn More

Spider Veins

Also known as spider telangiectasias, first appears as thin veins visible below the surface of the skin.

Learn More

Venous Ulcers

Also known as stasis ulcers, occur as a wound as pressure builds in the leg when venous valves do not function properly.

Learn More

Deep Venous Thrombosis & Superficial Phlebitis

Occurs when a blood clot develops within a deep vein.

Learn More

Subscribe to Newsletter

Get healthy news and solutions to your problems from our experts!

To Our Valued Patients:

Like the rest of the world, we have been keenly monitoring the spread of the COVID-19 virus. This is an unprecedented time in history that leaves us with great uncertainty. As we fight this pandemic, we want to reassure you that Dr. Michael Vasquez and Venous Institute of Buffalo will remain open and ready to meet your emergent healthcare needs. We were here for you before COVID-19, we are here now, and we will be here after COVID-19 is contained.

Since the initial outbreak of COVID-19 our offices have implemented enhanced safety measures so that we can minimize the risk of infection. We will take every precaution available to keep our patients and staff safe and healthy.

Telemedicine (telephone or video visit) is a safe way to obtain a consultation/appointment for all patients. Our staff has been reaching out to reschedule non-urgent appointments. The need for an in-person office appointment and/or ultrasound will be determined by Dr. Vasquez or one of our Physician Assistants by way of Telemedicine.

If you have any symptoms of COVID-19 (fever, cough, shortness of breath), please DO NOT travel outside your home. Please call your Primary Care Physician so that he/she may tell you how to proceed.

All patients who are required to come to the office will be screened prior to their visit to ensure that they have not developed any symptoms related to COVID-19.

Most importantly, please make sure you continue to follow ALL guidelines set forth by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). By helping do your part by practicing social distancing, proper health and hygiene we can contain the spread of this pandemic.

On behalf of Dr. Vasquez, thank you for doing your part to keep yourself, your family and our community safe and healthy. We look forward to seeing you soon!