There’s a lot going on in your body. A high-performance network consisting of arteries and veins works around the clock to transport blood everywhere. While arteries lead away from the heart and supply your cells with oxygen and nutrients, veins are in charge of returning the blood: they remove waste from the cells and pump blood low in oxygen back toward the heart. But how exactly does the venous system work? What is good for the veins – and when should you start paying attention and actively do something for your vein health? We will explain it to you!
How do your veins work?
Your veins have a lot to do: every day, they pump up to 7,000 liters of blood around your body toward the heart. The leg veins, in particular, have to fight gravity. They can only do that with the help of what is known as vein pumps. That’s what the muscles in the legs and feet are called that control the blood flow toward the heart. As the name suggests, these muscles work like a pump: the interaction of tension and relaxation during movement pushes the blood from the legs toward the heart.
Spaced a few centimeters apart, the venous valves ensure that the blood only moves toward the heart. These valves prevent the blood from returning to the legs.
What challenges does the venous system face?
The veins’ vascular walls are very thin and stretchy. If certain risk factors exist, the veins can expand pathologically. This means that the venous valves no longer close fully, resulting in blood congestion.
People spend more and more time sitting or standing, at work for example. This lack of movement means that the muscles, specifically the calf muscle pump, are no longer sufficiently activated. The veins and venous valves therefore lose their power and it becomes increasingly difficult to transport the blood back to the heart.
If the transport mechanisms no longer function properly, the result will be congestion, swelling, and an insufficient supply to the tissue.
What is hard on the veins?
In addition to a lack of movement as well as extended periods of standing and sitting as previously mentioned, there are other factors that can increase the risk of vein problems. This includes obesity, a diet rich in sugar or fat, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption. Constricting clothing and tight shoes can also affect the work of the veins. Furthermore, congenital connective tissue weakness also increases the risk of vein problems. Unfortunately, this actually affects a lot of people.n.
Would you like to find out more about weak veins and other venous disorders?
We have collated comprehensive information about causes, symptoms, the diagnosis process, and treatment options for you here.
When do I need to pay special attention?
If your legs and feet sometimes – or increasingly often – feel heavy and are swollen, it’s important to find the cause together with your physician. This also applies if you notice the first visual signs, such as small spider veins or varicose veins. Recognizing weak veins in time is crucial for implementing suitable countermeasures. If left untreated, vein problems can quickly become chronic and can, in a knock-on effect, lead to further complications.
What promotes vein health?
The good news is that there’s a lot you can do for your vein health. Find out how to care for your veins – so you can enjoy a carefree and active life.
Medical compression stockings are a crucial part of treating weak veins and other venous disorders. We will explain how medical compression stockings support your veins.
Does your work involve a lot of sitting or standing? Then it’s important to relieve your veins. Using compression and a few simple tricks, you can do a lot for your vein health at work.
Healthy food is good for your body – and for your veins in particular. We will show you how to support your vein health while enjoying food.
By performing simple, yet effective exercises, you can activate your vein pump and strengthen your veins while doing other things. Start your VenoTraining!
During extended flights or car and train journeys, your veins need additional help. Enjoy a carefree trip with compression products and our tips.
Medical compression stockings make an important contribution to your vein health. Find out how you can wear them for as long and as often as required with the appropriate skin care.
Weak veins and venous disorders
Have you already been diagnosed and would like to know more about what’s going on in your body? See our overview of the most common vein problems and venous disorders so you can find out more about causes, symptoms, treatment options, and what you can do yourself for your well-being.
Weak veins and venous disorders
A condition of the venous system must never be taken lightly. Find out more about causes, symptoms, and treatment here.