As one of the top providers of vein and laser surgery in NJ, we spend a lot of time focusing on how unhealthy veins function. In this article, however, we want to shift our focus to a more positive topic: how veins function when they are healthy. When your veins function the way they should, they keep you feeling healthy and looking great. Keep reading to get a better understanding of how healthy veins do their job.

What do healthy veins do?
Your body uses several different types of blood vessels to move blood to and from your heart. Arteries are responsible for moving oxygenated blood from your heart to your organs, muscles, and other bodily structures. Once this blood is depleted, your veins move it back to your heart. Your arteries have the advantage of muscular walls that provide the pressure that blood needs to move. Your veins, however, work a little differently. Healthy veins have several mechanisms that they rely on to propel blood against the force of gravity. Valves play a large role in this task. Your veins have a series of tiny, one-way valves that allow blood to flow towards the heart, but stop it from flowing backwards. These valves open and close in response to muscular movements in the legs. When your leg muscles contract, the valves open, and when they relax, they close. Regular exercise helps keep these valves working as they should. NJ vein treatmentexperts also cite vein walls as an important part of healthy circulation. Your veins’ walls are slightly elastic, which allows them to stretch in response to blood flow. Unhealthy veins can lose some of this elasticity, making them more likely to becoming overstretched and bulge outwards if backpressure from blood becomes too much. Varicose veins are likely to follow if this occurs, particularly if you are overweight, smoke, or don’t get enough exercise.

What do NYC vein doctors recommend to keep veins healthy?
Taking preventative measures before vein disease occurs is the best way to keep your veins working at their best. Even though there are some vein disease risk factors that you can’t change, such as your age or your gender, making changes in your lifestyle can make a difference. Your NYC varicose vein doctor can help you create a plan that focuses in on the areas that are likely to lead to the biggest improvement. While no two sets of veins are identical, there are some general areas that can help most people keep their veins in top shape. Your level of exercise can have a big impact. Walking, running, swimming, or engaging in any other type of activity regularly can build the muscles that assist your valves as well as encourage proper circulation. Exercise is also an important component of weight management, which can help reduce the wear and tear on your veins. If you smoke, quitting the habit will improve your vein health as well as reduce your risk of heart disease. Keeping your veins healthy is a crucial part of a properly-functioning cardiovascular system. If you are not sure if your veins are healthy, or if you know that they’re not working as they should, take this opportunity to contact Dr. Lowell S. Kabnick at 973-538-2000. He can help you better understand the root cause of your circulation issues, as well as help you find an effective solution.