Atrial Fib and Varicose Veins

Atrial Fibrillation and varicose veins

by Gemita - 2023-07-30 02:50:03

John, I really don’t know whether my varicose veins are associated with my atrial tachy arrhythmias but I certainly have both atrial tachy arrhythmias, including atrial fibrillation and quite severe varicose veins.

I have never seen a doctor about my extensive leg veins since I do not have any painful symptoms, at least not often, but they are clearly a sign of vein disease and I should get them checked.   I would mainly be concerned about deep vein thrombosis although I am on already on anticoagulation for my arrhythmias. 

I am aware that a tachy arrhythmia, especially an irregular one like Atrial Fibrillation can certainly cause blood flow problems, especially at higher heart rates, and this is clearly confirmed by my symptoms during some of my episodes.  I would certainly have no problem in believing there could well be an association between my Atrial Fibrillation and varicose veins,  so it was particularly interesting to see your post.  

Varicose veins

by Good Dog - 2023-07-30 20:38:40

I have severe varicose veins. Inherited from my Mom. I had them stripped back in the 80's and then Sclerotherapy for many years afterward. However, I stopped the therapy many years ago and they came back with a vengence. As I've gotten older they have become more painful. Compression stockings help They make quite a fashion statement when wearing shorts!  Especially the knee-high black socks with white shorts! However, other than an ocassional PVC, I do not have any arrhythmias (OMG: knock on wood). I think that VVeins are genetic, but have no idea with regard to arrhythmias. I don't think so. Although, my grandfather (on my Dad's side) had a pacemaker back in the early 60's. One of the first at the Cleveland Clinic. Again, I don't know if that was inherited, but I doubt it. There were no others with pacemakers in any of his 12 children and their offspring. 

Sorry I cannot be more helpful.............

Sincerely,

Dave

Thanks!

by BradyJohn - 2023-07-30 23:41:11

Thanks Gemita and Dave,

I wonder if somewhere down the road there may be more research in this area.  Gemita I also have no symptoms ie pain from my veins but after a longish run my BP is super low.   Dave I was surprised to hear that varicose veins stripping and sclerotherapy were only temporary 'fixes' and that the veins 'came back'.  Also,  the pm your grandfather had was likely the size of a hockey puck.  Amazing how far we've come and how far we have to go. 

Take care, 

John 

Veins & Pacemaker

by Good Dog - 2023-07-31 07:47:52

Yeah, the most interesting thing about my grandfathers pacemaker was that the battery lasted only about a year-and-a-half on average. 

As far as the varicose veins coming back; that is the primary purpose sclerotherapy. If one is diligent in following-up with the therapy, it will prevent them from returning. It is simply saline injections in small veins as they surface. Sclerotherapy can be used on spider veins for cosmetic reasons, but is therapeutic to prevent varicose veins from returning. 

Dave

Vericose veins

by AgentX86 - 2023-07-31 20:25:34

At first I was wondering about the mechanism and which came first (direction of causality). I certainly don't know but it seems, to me anyway, that there could be a third factor that causes both.

Compression socks & varicose veins

by Lurker - 2023-08-01 12:34:33

Compression socks are supposed help varicose veins.

but run it by your doctor first.

a third factor and compression stockings

by Good Dog - 2023-08-01 17:11:21

My varicose veins revealed themselves when I was about 21 years old. No obvious cause. They just popped-out one day. Same with my Mom.

Also, compression stockings do nothing to prevent or reduce the severity of the veins. However, they alleviate the pain and aching. The most effective compression stockings require a prescription from the doc. However, they can also be purchased without a prescription. Thing is; sizing (compression) is very important.

Dave