Compression stockings and support hosiery can be your first line of defense and one of the most reasonable treatment options for symptoms related to venous issues.

Compression stockings in the lower range of graduated compression levels (20 mmHg or less) can effectively help prevent or relieve discomfort from vein related issues such as aching and heavy feeling legs, swelling in the legs or deep vein thrombosis.

It seems that there is much more publicity and therefore a much greater public awareness about arterial disease in all its various manifestations compared to vein related diseases even though surprisingly venous issues outnumber arterial problems 10 to 1.

It is also no secret that deep vein thrombosis (DVT) leads to well over half a million hospitalizations each year.  Even worse, its more deadly cousin also known as pulmonary embolism claims more than 650,000 lives each year, making it the third largest killer of hospital patients (Source: Surgeongeneral.gov).

In light of these statistics it is shocking that there is still a serious lack of preventative venous screening that could potentially save thousands of lives through early detection of vein conditions that can lead to much more serious complications if they are not treated properly and early enough.

Venous screening is very important because venous disease has a widespread occurrence and it can become deadly or cause lifelong disability.

If you are squeamish when it comes to medical testing there is no cause to worry.  Venous screening is not only non-invasive but also pain free and without any risk.  It consists of a questionnaire, an examination of the patient’s legs by a professional and an ultrasound scan of the veins in your legs.

Who should make an Appointment for Venous Screening?

Individuals who exhibit any of the following signs and symptoms should make an appointment to have their leg veins screened:

• Family history of venous insufficiency
• Swollen and/or achy legs
• Spider veins
• Varicose veins
• Skin discoloration around the ankle areas
• Ulceration of the skin in the legs

Venous screening and early detection of venous issues such as

• Varicose veins
• Edema (swelling) in the legs
• Lymphedema
• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
• Deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism and VTE (venous thromboembolism)

not only helps prevent venous problems from getting worse but can even save lives.

Check in your area for a participating center that offers comprehensive venous screening.

A comprehensive venous screening should include the following:

• Venous thromboembolism risk assessment
• Venous insufficiency assessment
• Varicose vein assessment
• Duplex ultrasound checking for obstruction and reflux
• Report card
• Patient education material

If you don’t have access to a venous screening program in your community where you live you can also visit a web based screening portal (online) to perform a self-assessment.  This self-assessment is provided by the American Venous Forum.

Please follow the link below to start your assessment…

American Venous Forum – Online-Screening

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