Vein screening is a non-invasive way to determine how your veins in your legs are functioning. If you have spider, thread or varicose veins, you may be interested in a vein screening. Leg vein health is an area often-overlooked by many people and is unfortunately misconceived as a purely cosmetic issue. Venous disease is common amongst Singaporeans and includes the spectrum of varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Vein problems often present at an advanced stage because people are unaware they can develop into serious problems if left untreated.
Most people decide to go for vein screening when they first see or experience a problem. This is usually the infamous red or blue spider veins or the twisted tortuous veins that can develop over the surface of the leg. Also new brown patches that develop over the lower leg may be a sign of a vein issue that is mistaken for a sun tan in our temperate climate. However, the real issues are not just on the skin surface but may bely a more serious problem inside the deep veins of the leg. Often the outer appearances of veins are not an accurate indication of actual vein health. It is possible for very dangerous blood clots to silently develop inside the leg or the veins valves can become damaged and allow blood to subtly pool without symptoms. Fortunately all of these issues are preventable and treatable to prevent disease progression, with early detection.
Who Should Get Screened?
Everyone can benefit from a vein screen as a part of their preventative medicine check-up, however the following factors increase your risk for venous disease and will benefit most from a screening visit:
- Painful or swollen legs are indicators that there may be an underlying issue in the veins.
- Legs that feel achy or heavy especially towards the end of the day may indicate there is a leg vein problem.
- Cramps especially at night time is another symptom of potential venous incompetence along with skin itchiness and brown discoloration.
- Age. While older people are at a higher risk for venous disease, it can start as early as childhood. Adults over 50 are at greatest risk.
- Genetics and hereditary risk. If your parents had varicose veins, you have over 70% chance of developing vein problems at some stage.
- Women, especially those who had multiple pregnancies, are four times more likely than men to develop venous disorders.
- Professions that require long periods of sitting or standing increase one’s risk of vein problems.
Get screened and get your legs back to amazing health!
The Vascular & Endovascular Clinic offers a quick but effective vein screening program to evaluate the health of your leg veins and determine the risk of blood clots.
A screening will consist of:
- A thorough medical history, brief survey about medications you are taking, that could increase the risk of vein disease
- A brief examination for signs of vein insufficiency and presence of varicose or spider veins.
- Simple ultrasound scan to measure vein function and identify any vein blockages or venous reflux.
The whole screening process should take approximately 30 minutes including a bedside ultrasound test and cost will be $299 (excl GST).
Let us help you break free of leg pain and get back to amazing vein health!
