Birmingham Heart Clinic (BHC) has opened a BHC Vein Center to diagnose and treat venous disease at 100 Pilot Medical Drive, Suite 185.
The cardiologists at BHC Vein Center are treating venous disease with minimally-invasive procedures, resulting in less pain and quicker recoveries for patients. The BHC Vein Center offers many services in detecting and treating venous disease including duplex ultrasound, ablation therapy, laser therapy and more.
About 15 percent of people in America have venous disease, which is caused by diseased or abnormal veins. When vein vessels become damaged or weak, blood flows backward causing the veins to stretch, swell and twist. One of the most common and visible signs of venous disease is spider veins, which appear as small, purplish or blue clusters of veins on the leg. Varicose veins are larger, bluish veins which may look enlarged.
Venous disease may not present itself until leg pain or skin problems emerge. Venous disease symptoms may include the following:
- Swelling or heaviness in legs
- Leg pain or cramping
- Visible varicose or spider veins
- Discoloration of skin
- Dry or weeping eczema
- Leg ulcers
- Restless legs
Venous disease can progressively get worse over time due to the pressure created by the backflow of blood in the legs. This may lead to additional spider and varicose veins, and in some cases can lead to swelling and venous ulcers. If you have any of the above symptoms, it is important to consult an experienced vein specialist for diagnosis and treatment.
If you think you may have venous disease, call 205-815-4800 and inquire about our free vein consultations. More information on the BHC Vein Center is also available at www.bhcvein.com.