Venous occlusion occurs when a vein becomes blocked, causing swelling, pain, and dysfunction in nearby organs. Risk factors include atherosclerosis, diabetes, high blood pressure, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, and genetic predisposition. Diagnosis involves a specialized x-ray procedure, and treatment includes blood-thinning medications, surgery, and laser therapy.
A venous occlusion occurs when a vein in the body becomes blocked, blocked, or narrowed too much for blood to flow easily. As a result, deoxygenated blood cannot return to the heart to continue normal circulation. Blood can back up in a vein and cause swelling, pain, and dysfunction in nearby organs and tissues. The most common site of venous occlusion is the retina of the eye, but any vein in the body can potentially be affected. Treatment depends on the location and severity of the blockage, but common techniques include taking blood-thinning medications and surgery.
Many different factors can increase a person’s risk of developing a venous occlusion. Atherosclerosis, a condition that causes cholesterol to build up and harden in blood vessels, is a major risk factor. People who have diabetes, high blood pressure, poor diets, and sedentary lifestyles are generally more susceptible to atherosclerosis and blockages of arteries and veins. Glaucoma significantly increases the risk of retinal vein occlusion. Also, some people are genetically predisposed to blood clotting disorders and circulation problems.
When a blood clot or other blockage blocks a vein, blood begins to flow backwards. It reenters the tissues and organs, which can lead to a variety of symptoms. A venous occlusion in the ankle, for example, can cause the joint to swell rapidly, become tender, and turn blue. A retinal vein occlusion can cause blurred or distorted vision that tends to get worse over the course of several hours or days. It is important to visit a doctor when unusual symptoms occur so that the appropriate tests can be administered.
A doctor can usually detect a venous occlusion by evaluating your symptoms and performing a specialized x-ray procedure. A fluorescent dye is injected into a vein in the arm and allowed to enter the circulation. X-rays are taken to trace the path of the dye to the site of a suspected occlusion. If the dye does not flow quickly through the site or reverses its course, a confident diagnosis can be made.
Anticoagulant medications such as warfarin and heparin can be given intravenously to help break up blood clots in the veins. If cholesterol buildup is to blame for your symptoms, medications to lower blood pressure and widen the veins may be prescribed. Surgery may be needed in severe cases to remove or repair a vein. A stent can be permanently attached to a blood vessel to keep it open. Retinal occlusions are commonly treated with laser therapy to destroy the damaged veins.
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