Does varicose veins cause death and are they fatal? Complications and risks of varicose veins
Varicose veins are usually not life-threatening but if accompanied by a complication such as a pulmonary embolism, they can rarely be dangerous and fatal.
Varicose veins are usually not life-threatening but if accompanied by a complication such as a pulmonary embolism, they can rarely be dangerous and fatal.
If we want to answer the question briefly and generally: No, varicose veins are not fatal in most cases.
However according to studies on severe varicose veins and mortality risk patients with varicose veins are at higher risk of cardiovascular events, death and if complicated by conditions such as pulmonary embolism, severe blood loss, widespread infection or combined with underlying diseases like heart, kidney or diabetes especially in the elderly it can rarely become fatal.
Risks of Varicose Veins
There is still no precise statistic on deaths caused by varicose veins because accurately estimating this issue is complex and depends on various factors such as underlying diseases, type of treatment, age, gender and resulting complications.
But the most important complications of varicose veins that you must take seriously and can be life-threatening are:
Pulmonary embolism caused by varicose veins
Pulmonary embolism actually occurs when blood clots formed in the varicose veins of the leg move and travel toward the lungs. Blockage of pulmonary vessels by these clots causes chest pain, shortness of breath and even death.
We recommend reading the article The Relationship Between Leg Varicose Veins and Pulmonary Embolism for more information.
Severe bleeding
Weakening of vein walls in varicose veins and blood accumulation in them cause the veins to rupture and bleed if struck or pressured. Severe blood loss due to varicose veins may cause hypovolemic shock which occurs due to insufficient oxygen delivery because of blood loss. This complication can lead to death.
Widespread infection
Ulcers caused by varicose veins can become infected if not treated. If this infection spreads it can damage internal organs. Also if the infection enters the bloodstream it becomes extremely dangerous.
Tissue death
Reduced blood flow due to varicose veins in vessels causes the limb tissue not to receive enough blood for nutrition and oxygen leading to tissue death and limb damage.
Factors That Increase the Risk of Death from Varicose Veins
Among the important factors that multiply the danger of varicose veins are the following:
Underlying diseases
Heart, kidney, lung and diabetes diseases increase the risk of varicose veins. Therefore if you suffer from any of these diseases definitely take varicose veins treatment seriously and do it under the supervision of an experienced specialist.
Reading the article Does Leg Varicose Veins Have a Relationship with Heart Diseases? can be interesting and useful.
Old age
Elderly people especially the very old are more sensitive to some complications such as infection due to weakened immune systems and reduced body efficiency. Therefore older adults need to be more serious and follow-up in this regard.
Neglecting and not treating varicose veins
Neglecting and not treating varicose veins will make it more severe and chronic. The more the disease progresses the greater its complications and risks.
Conclusion
Although varicose veins rarely cause death directly, complications such as pulmonary embolism or infection that can be fatal are associated with varicose veins.
Therefore especially if you have underlying diseases or are elderly, early prevention and treatment seem very important and necessary.
FAQ
1- Does varicose veins have a definitive and non-recurring treatment?
Yes. Today varicose veins treatment methods have advanced greatly and there are various types of treatments that can completely and comfortably eliminate varicose veins.
2- Is there any treatment other than surgery for varicose veins?
Yes. The treatments currently used for varicose veins are generally non-invasive and do not require surgery, incision, or stitches.
If you want to learn more information about these treatments reading the article Varicose Veins Treatment can be useful.