What Are the Major Differences Between Large Vein Disease and Medium Vein Disease?

According to recent research, over 30 million Americans experience venous diseases. However, only 10% of these people actually seek treatment for it, as stated by the Society for Vascular Medicine. Large vein disease and medium vein disease are among the most common types of vein diseases, both of which are treatable.

Generally, large vein disease (varicose veins) and medium vein disease (spider veins) are used interchangeably, but they are two different vein disorders. While they occur for similar reasons, understanding the differences between them is essential for choosing the best treatment option. This article will give you an overview of the differences between LVD and MVD.

What Is Large Vein Disease (LVD)?

LVD affects the saphenous veins (large veins) and their branches. Untreated LVD can result in varicose veins, causing purple, twisted veins in the legs. People with medium vein disease can also have LVD, seeing that spider veins at the ankles are usually the first sign of underlying LVD.

What Is Medium Vein Disease (MVD)?

MVD is chronic venous insufficiency affecting the reticular veins (blue/greenish veins under the skin) and telangiectasias (pink/red/purple veins at the skin surface). While spider veins are considered a cosmetic issue, leaving them untreated can cause serious vein conditions, including dermatitis, chronic aching, and skin ulcers.

Major Differences between LVD and MVD

LVD and MVD are caused by the weakness or insufficiency in the valves that control the blood flow direction in the veins. However, conditions like pregnancy, heredity, menopause, and obesity can increase the MVD risk.

While LVD and MVD are slightly similar, their appearances are quite different. LVD causes raised, swollen blood vessels that twist and turn under the skin, whereas MVD causes thread-like, superficial veins appearing as small, thin lines on the legs. Additionally, LVD can be painful, while MVD usually does not cause pain.

Causes of LVD and MVD

Spider veins and varicose vein disease can be caused by one or a combination of several factors. The following factors can increase your chances of getting LVD, MVD:

• Genetics –If your parents/grandparents/siblings have it.
• Age – Vein walls and venous valves that are weakened by aging.
• Menopause – Hormone fluctuations during menopause.
• Gender – Women’s hormones.
• Prolonged Standing – Standing for long durations.
• Injury/Trauma – Vehicle accident injuries, sports injuries, and knee and hip replacement surgeries.
• Obesity – Increased weight resulting in additional pressure on the veins.
• Inactivity – Physical inactivity causes blood pooling that weakens vein walls and valves.
• Pregnancy – Progesterone fluctuations and increased blood volume during pregnancy.

Symptoms of LVD and MVD

LVD and MVD have the following common symptoms:

• Swelling
• Aching
• Restlessness
• Cramping
• Itching or burning
• Bulging veins
• Throbbing
• Skin ulcers
• Heaviness
• Skin discoloration in the ankles and calves

If you experience any mentioned-above symptoms, please consult your doctor and get yourself tested before the condition becomes too serious.

How Can We Help You in Overcoming LVD and MVD?

With the most advanced state-of-art imaging and testing equipment, we have been serving the people of Atlanta for more than a decade. Our low-cost procedures include port-a-cath removal or implantation, angiograms, stenting, and dialysis access maintenance, which would otherwise necessitate an expensive hospital visit.

Schedule an appointment with us today at North Atlanta Vascular and Vein Center to get yourself treated for LVD and MVD. Our experienced, qualified, and skilled vein specialists provide the best treatment for large varicose veins and spider veins with desired results.