Archive for June, 2009

Statin drugs are used for cholesterol lowering and have been proven to reduce the risk of serious cardiovascular events like fatal heart attacks and strokes.  Statin drugs work by reducing the total cholesterol levels in the blood.  They work by blocking the key enzyme required for by the body to produce cholesterol.  An additional mechanism of action statins has is there ability to reduce inflammation through out the body.  This reduction in the body’s inflammation may even reduce the risk of some cancers.  A recent study suggests that statins may reduce the risk of prostate cancer and possibly even shrink some tumors. 

A recent study that appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine has shown the potential effects of statin drugs on reducing the risk of developing blood clots in the veins.

As already discussed, blood clots in the veins are a major cause of disability and death.  These clots typically form in the large veins of the legs and in the pelvis.  A pulmonary embolism may result in death.  A PE results when a piece of the blood clots breaks away and travels up the veins and enters the lung.  These emboli become clogged in the lungs circulation causing shortness of breath, chest pain and may lead to complete cardiopulmonary collapse and death.  The results of this new large study (17,802 patients) has shown that statins may reduce the risk of blood clots by 50 % in patients who are already at a higher risk for clots and reduce the risk in patients with no risk factors by 40%.  Risk for PE was reduced by 23% and the overall reduction of risk for DVT was 55%. So it may be time to use statins prophylactically in patients who have an increased risk for blood clots, or patients with severe  venous disease and a history of previous blood clots.

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A series of recent studies have found benefit in the ability of Escin, which is the active ingredient in Horse chestnut.  Escin helps to reduce and lower the volume and symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency.  Escin may work by lowering the amount of inflammation that is seen in patients with venous disease.  Unfortunately, it will NOT prevent venous disease or make your varicose veins go away.  But, it may be helpful in reducing some of the symptoms of the disease.

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"I am so pleased with how my legs look and feel!  Over the past 20 years, I have had various types of treatments in several cities for my varicose veins, and Dr. Leary is the best.  Never have I seen such noticeable improvement in such little time.  Dr. Leary and your entire staff are caring and professional.  You were recommended to me, and now I see why.   I will definitely be recommending you to others!"
 
Pat B.

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No, there are no creams and pills that will get rid of spider veins.   Be a skeptic.    There are many companies that claim they have the newest technology with creams and/or pills that will get rid of spider veins.  These claims are grossly exaggerated.   Some even claim to cure venous disease with a pill, which is untrue.   There are many misleading sites out there.  Many sites claim to give unbiased reviews for procedures and products to educate the public.  They then go on to hype their own particular pill or product.  Don’t be mislead by these scams!  It is best to get your information from reliable scientific sites, such as, the American College of Phlebology. 

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