Johns Hopkins Health - Spring 2009 - (Page 11)
FREE SCREENING If you have varicose veins and are wondering about treatment or surgery, let the experts guide your decision at this free evaluation: Wednesday, May 27, 4-8 p.m., at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center. Call 800-547-5182 to register. secondopinion Vanity Aside DID YOU KNOW? ◗ ere’s more than meets the eye when it comes to varicose veins. Untreated, these unsightly protrusions on the legs can be debilitating aricose veins usually top the list of complaints that women have about their physical appearance, particularly when warm weather arrives and legs are bared for all to see. But assuming that the only downside to varicose veins is their unsightliness is a mistake. Also called venous reflux, it is the result of a malfunction that causes blood to collect in the veins. If it goes untreated, appearance is the least of the problems. Ultimately, ulcers on the legs may result. “It can be debilitating,” says Johns Hopkins vascular surgeon Jennifer Heller, M.D. “ e majority of my patients are people who spend a lot of time on their feet. Eventually, they can barely stand up.” at’s why it’s important to get varicose veins checked. ey are different than spider veins, which also are unsightly but don’t require treatment except for cosmetic reasons. Physicians use ultrasound to diagnose varicose veins and may recommend surgery depending on the degree of malfunction. Hormonal changes during pregnancy are a leading cause of varicose veins. Obesity, genetics and prolonged standing also affect the chances of developing varicose veins. Being a woman makes you more likely to develop varicose veins, but men get them too. Regular exercise can help to reduce the likelihood of varicose veins. ◗ V ◗ ◗ And surgery for varicose veins has come a long way. Painful vein stripping used to require large incisions in the groin and leg, as well as a lengthy recovery. “Today, we’ve got a number of minimally invasive options that give you the same results with less pain and time,” Heller says. The Johns Hopkins Vein Center diagnoses and treats the entire spectrum of venous disorders. To learn more, visit hopkinsbayview.org/ veincenter or call 800-547-5182. hopkinsmedicine.org | 800-547-5182 spring 2009 johns hopkins health | 11 |
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Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Johns Hopkins Health - Spring 2009
Johns Hopkins Health - Spring 2009
Contents
Protect Your Prostate
On the Right Tract
Losing Sleep
All Encompassing
Vanity Aside
Johns Hopkins Health - Spring 2009
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