Column
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By Philip Ortaleza
VARICOSE
VEINS AND
SPIDER
VEINS
V
aricose vein a condition of the vein that
is twisted and distended with blood.
Varicose veins are large, raised, swollen
blood vessels that twist and turn. They
usually develop in the legs and can be
seen through the skin while Spider veins
are smaller, red, purple, and blue vessels that also twist
and turn. Spider veins are easily visible through the
skin, as well. They are typically visible on the legs and
face.
Varicose veins in the legs, by far the most common
location, result from malfunctioning of the valves
in the veins. These valves normally prevent blood
from reversing its flow after the movement of the
leg muscles has forced the blood upward and from
superficial veins to the deep veins. When the valves
do not function properly, the blood collects in the
superficial veins, distending and twisting them.
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