The Heart-Vein Axis: Are We Treating It All Wrong? 🤔🩺

For years, I told my patients that leg problems like VARICOSE VEINS had nothing to do with their HEART. I truly believed they were separate issues. But I've been WRONG.

New evidence shows a deep and complex link between our veins and our heart.

It's time for a new way of thinking. Especially for me! Over last week, I've been looking into the latest research. What I've found surprised me. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) affects up to 40% of older adults.

It's not just a leg problem.

Studies now show that varicose veins may even be linked to HEART FAILURE. CVI is linked to a higher chance of heart failure, coronary artery disease, and even atrial fibrillation. And this is in addition to the link with deep vein thrombosis (DVT). How does this happen? The processes are fascinating and closely linked.. This inflammation can harm your heart. Our blood vessels also age. Changes in vein function can speed up heart ageing. CVI also increases pressure in your veins and on your heart. This directly strains the right side of your heart. It can lead to heart failure in those at risk. It's also a two-way street.

Heart failure can make CVI worse. This happens due to poor blood flow and fluid build-up in the veins. This creates a harmful cycle. Even conditions like chronic venous obstruction and pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) are linked to venous insufficiency. This shows how connected these systems are. This new understanding raises important questions for doctors:

• Should all patients with significant venous disease have a full heart health check? Even if they don't have heart symptoms? As a minimum, perhaps we ought to check their BP, examine their ankles for swelling and check foot pulses.
• How can we best manage these different conditions together? This will truly improve patient health and reduce heart disease.
• Are our current guidelines good enough? Do we need clear advice from heart and vascular societies? This would help us work together more.

The evidence is clear. A "pan-vascular" approach is not just helpful. It's becoming vital. By looking after our veins, we can potentially lower wider heart risks. This will improve overall patient health and quality of life. I believe this is crucial information for all healthcare professionals and patients.

To help you learn more, I've made a full review article available on my website. It's called "Chronic venous insufficiency in heart failure: exploring a reciprocal influence on cardiovascular health" by Vito Damay et al.

You can download Vito's paper in full here https://www.veincare.academy/chronic-venous-insufficiency-in-heart-failure

Let's share information and experience with our cardiology colleague