by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Sep 2, 2025 | Blog, Venous Health
Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic concern. They can be a visible sign of changes happening inside your veins — and if your varicose veins look different than they used to, it’s important to take note.
Varicose veins that look larger, darker, or more twisted can leave you wondering if something more serious is going on. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offer varicose vein treatment, and understanding the common reasons varicose veins become more pronounced is the first step toward better comfort and long-term vein health.
Here are four possible reasons why your varicose veins might have started looking bigger and darker lately.
1. Increased pressure inside your veins
Healthy veins send blood from all corners of your body back to your heart. Varicose veins form when the small valves inside your leg veins weaken and blood starts to flow backward and pool instead of going back to your heart.
The backward flow and pooling increases pressure inside your veins and makes them stretch, bulge, and adopt a darker, more twisted appearance. Common causes of varicose veins include prolonged sitting or standing, obesity, pregnancy, and advancing age — and if you don’t address them early, they tend to become more pronounced with time.
2. Skin thinning or sun exposure
Sometimes, you might notice that veins appear darker simply because they’re more visible as your skin starts to get thinner with age. Skin thinning is a natural process, and it happens because collagen and elastin production decrease and the supportive fat layer under your skin also diminishes with time.
Other factors like sun exposure and heat can make veins stand out more sharply, too, even if their internal structure hasn’t changed. Exercise or high blood pressure can also temporarily make your veins look more prominent.
3. Inflammation and skin discoloration
Untreated varicose veins contribute to chronic venous insufficiency, a condition where the veins in your legs can’t effectively send blood back to your heart. The increased pressure and blood pooling that creates varicose veins in the first place can get more severe and cause more symptoms like inflammation and discoloration in your legs.
Along with inflammation, blood cells may start to break down, and this can cause changes in skin tone. You might notice darker patches of skin with brownish or rusty discoloration, particularly around your lower calves and ankles.
4. Lifestyle habits and hormonal changes
Other factors can have a significant impact on the look of your varicose veins, too. For example, pregnancy and hormonal shifts relax vein walls and elevate blood volume, amplifying a darker, swollen vein appearance.
Smoking damages vein walls and valves, increasing visible vein prominence. And even something as simple as wearing tight clothes or tight socks can make varicose veins look darker quickly.
Treatment options for varicose veins
If your veins are becoming more noticeable, and especially if they’re causing pain, itching, or other bothersome symptoms, treatment can help. Dr. Patel and our team start with a comprehensive exam and ultrasound mapping to assess vein function, and then we develop a personalized treatment plan.
Mild varicose veins may improve with simple lifestyle changes, like wearing graduated compression stockings to help improve blood flow, reduce swelling, and protect nearby tissues.
For more advanced varicose veins, minimally invasive procedures may be a good option. Treatments like radiofrequency ablation, endovenous laser therapy, and ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy close or collapse problematic veins with precision and minimal downtime.
Noticing changes in the appearance of your varicose veins doesn’t have to be cause for alarm. At NJ Cardiovascular Institute, we offer a full spectrum of treatments to help you manage symptoms, improve vein health, and restore comfort.
Schedule a consultation at one of our clinics in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, to take the next step.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Apr 2, 2024 | Blog, Venous Health
Have you noticed twisted, bulging veins on your legs or feet? They could be varicose veins. About one in five adults will get them at some point in their lives — and their presence can make you wonder if they’re a sign of a more dangerous health problem.
Varicose veins can be unsightly and sometimes uncomfortable, but the good news is that they usually don’t pose a serious threat to your well-being. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offer varicose vein treatment. We’ve helped adults of all ages understand varicose veins and how to manage them.
Learn more about what varicose veins are, what they could mean for your health, and what you can do about them.
All about varicose veins
Healthy veins have valves that open and close to keep blood flowing efficiently back to your heart. But sometimes, those valves malfunction or become weak, and blood starts flowing backward and pooling in your veins.
When blood pools, the veins get larger — and varicose veins form. Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that typically appear blue or purple in color. Although they can develop anywhere, they’re most common in your legs and feet, where gravity makes it more difficult for blood to flow upward toward your heart.
Several factors can contribute to varicose veins, including genetics, age, obesity, pregnancy, and prolonged periods of standing or sitting. In fact, your risk of developing varicose veins is about 90% if both parents have varicose veins.
Understanding the possible complications of varicose veins
For most people, varicose veins are primarily a cosmetic concern. The bulging, twisted veins can be unsightly and embarrassing, but they usually don’t cause other problems.
However, some people do develop physical symptoms like aching, swelling, itching, or a feeling of heaviness in the legs. And in rare cases, varicose veins can also lead to more serious complications if they’re left untreated.
One possible complication is venous insufficiency. Impaired blood flow in the affected veins can cause chronic inflammation that, over time, can lead to more severe symptoms like skin discoloration, leg ulcers, and even blood clots.
Seeking treatment for varicose veins
If you have varicose veins, treatment can improve their appearance and lower your risk of more serious complications — whether you have painful symptoms or not. Dr. Patel specializes in radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for varicose veins, which is a minimally invasive procedure that uses heat energy to seal off the affected veins.
RFA involves inserting a thin catheter into your varicose veins. We use ultrasound imaging to guide placement. And once in place, the catheter delivers radiofrequency energy to the vein wall.
This energy heats the vein and makes it collapse and seal shut. After treatment, your body gradually absorbs the treated vein and it fades from view. Your body naturally reroutes your blood through nearby healthy veins to restore normal blood flow.
RFA can be a great option to treat varicose veins because it requires only a small incision and local anesthesia. For many people, that means less pain, scarring, and downtime compared to more invasive varicose vein treatments. With the damaged vein closed off, you can expect to notice a significant improvement in symptoms like pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
While varicose veins may not always pose a direct threat to your health, it’s important to take your symptoms seriously. Whether you’re embarrassed about their appearance or they’re causing discomfort, it’s time to explore your treatment options.
Book a consultation at NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, to get started today.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Aug 2, 2023 | Blog, Varicose Veins, Venous Health
Varicose veins — those bulging, twisted veins you see just beneath the surface of your skin — are a common condition affecting 20% of all adults at some point in their lives. While they’re often labeled as simply a cosmetic concern, varicose veins can sometimes be indicative of an underlying health issue.
But unfortunately, it’s not always easy to know if your varicose veins signal something more serious. Our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute is here to help. Kunal Patel, MD, specializes in varicose vein care, and in this blog post, we’re exploring the connection between varicose veins and potentially more serious health conditions.
Why varicose veins occur
Your veins have valves inside that help keep blood flowing through your body effectively. Varicose veins develop when those valves start to malfunction.
Malfunctioning valves can make blood collect and pool in specific areas, and the veins get enlarged and twisted. Varicose veins are most common in your feet and legs, often causing discomfort, pain, and aching sensations.
The potential complications of varicose veins
Most of the time, varicose veins themselves are harmless. But in some cases, they can indicate an increased risk of developing other circulatory problems.
A few possible risks associated with varicose veins are:
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
A deep vein thrombosis (DVT) happens when a blood clot forms in a deep vein of your leg. The blood clot can dislodge and travel to other parts of your body, making it a potentially serious condition. If the clot travels to your lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism.
Having varicose veins puts you at increased risk of developing a DVT, because weak vein valves slow down the blood flow. If you have varicose veins and experience sudden leg pain, swelling, or redness, seek immediate medical attention to rule out a DVT.
Venous insufficiency
Varicose veins can also be a signal of venous insufficiency, a condition characterized by impaired blood flow from your legs back to your heart. Along with varicose veins, you might experience symptoms such as leg heaviness, fatigue, and swelling.
If you have venous insufficiency, seeking treatment is essential to determine the extent of your condition. If it’s left untreated, venous insufficiency can lead to skin ulcers and chronic inflammation.
Overall cardiovascular health
Finally, having varicose veins may mean you have an increased risk of cardiovascular health issues, like hypertension and heart disease. The exact connections aren’t fully understood, but underlying factors that cause varicose veins may also contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease.
That means if you have varicose veins, we may recommend taking extra steps to manage your cardiovascular health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and lifestyle modifications all help improve heart health.
Varicose veins are often viewed as a cosmetic nuisance — but it’s important to take them seriously. To learn more about your condition and get a treatment plan that fits your needs, schedule a consultation with Dr. Patel and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute.
Call one of our offices in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, or Secaucus, New Jersey, or send us a message online now.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Feb 1, 2023 | Blog, Varicose Veins, Venous Health
Varicose veins are enlarged, swollen veins that appear just under the surface of your skin. They’re usually blue or purple, and they’re most commonly found on the legs and feet.
Varicose veins form when faulty valves in your veins allow blood to flow backwards and pool up. All that excess blood enlarges the veins, making them appear discolored, twisted, and unsightly. While varicose veins are often brushed off as a cosmetic concern, they’re a common cause of discomfort — and they could even be a sign of a more serious underlying condition.
That means if you have varicose veins, it’s important to seek treatment. Kunal Patel, MD, is a vein specialist at NJ Cardiovascular Institute in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey. He has experience diagnosing and treating varicose veins, and our team is here to help you get the care you need.
Varicose vein treatment relieves your symptoms
Varicose veins can be unsightly and embarrassing, but seeking treatment for varicose veins goes far beyond simply improving your appearance. Here are a few reasons why Dr. Patel and our team always recommend treating varicose veins:
Improves your circulation
Varicose veins are a sign of poor circulation, which means your legs and feet may not be getting all the blood they need. Poor circulation can make your legs and feet feel tired and achy, and treatment can help improve your circulation and your symptoms.
Relieves discomfort
For many people, varicose veins cause uncomfortable symptoms like:
Aching, heavy-feeling legs
Muscle cramps
Swelling
Itchy skin
Pain or tenderness
Treatment eliminates the varicose vein, which helps alleviate these symptoms and improves your quality of life.
Prevents venous complications
Left untreated, varicose veins can lead to more serious vein problems. Your risk of blood clots, skin ulcers, and swelling may be higher if you have varicose veins. Fortunately, early treatment can help prevent these complications.
Improves your appearance and your confidence
Last but not least, treatment addresses the appearance of your veins. Varicose veins can be unsightly, and they may impact your self-confidence. Treating varicose veins can eliminate or reduce their appearance and boost your self-esteem.
Varicose vein treatment is customizable
There are several treatment options available for varicose veins. When you come to NJ Cardiovascular Institute for care, Dr. Patel does a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks questions about your symptoms.
Then, he develops a customized treatment plan for your varicose veins. He may recommend lifestyle changes first, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding standing or sitting for long periods of time. Compression stockings can also help by applying gentle pressure to your veins to enhance circulation.
In more advanced cases, Dr. Patel may recommend medical treatment. He specializes in radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which gently heats the damaged veins to seal them and stop blood from entering.
The best treatment option for you depends on the severity of your varicose veins and any underlying medical conditions you may have. Together, you work with Dr. Patel to address your symptoms and improve your vascular health.
If you have varicose veins, don’t wait to schedule your evaluation. Call the NJ Cardiovascular Institute office nearest you or send us a message online to get started.
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by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Feb 1, 2023 | Venous Health
Varicose veins are a common issue affecting approximately half of men and women by the time they reach 50. It’s easy to identify these twisted, enlarged veins on your legs because they usually bulge and appear blue or dark purple in color.
Varicose veins usually aren't cause for concern, aside from their unsightly appearance. At times, however, they indicate a more serious vein disorder that can increase your chances of serious health complications.
As an experienced cardiologist and varicose vein specialist at NJ Cardiovascular Institute, Dr. Kunal Patel brings his specialized training to diagnosing and treating varicose veins and other venous diseases in Secaucus and Newark, New Jersey.
Understanding venous diseases
You have two types of blood vessels circulating blood throughout your body: arteries and veins.
Arteries send oxygen-rich blood out from your heart to the rest of your body. Your blood returns to your heart by way of your veins. These thin-walled structures contain one-way valves that keep your blood moving in one direction.
Venous diseases develop when vein issues interfere with the blood flowing back to your heart. These problems can affect either superficial veins found close to the surface of your skin or the deep veins located in the muscles of your arms or legs.
Varicose veins are a type of vein disease affecting your superficial veins.
What Can Cause Varicose Veins?
Varicose vein disorder develops when your one-way valves weaken or fail, which allows blood to flow backward or pool in the vein. When this occurs, you can see the swollen vein underneath your skin. Your chances of having varicose veins increase as you grow older, if you’re overweight or obese, or spend long periods of time sitting or standing. You also have a 90% chance of getting varicose veins if both of your parents have the condition.
When you have varicose veins, they can also be a sign of chronic venous insufficiency — when blood pools in either superficial or deep leg veins. It’s possible to have chronic venous insufficiency without having a varicose vein.
Symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency include:
- Pain and cramping
- Swelling in your legs or ankles
- Skin changes
- Leg ulcers
- Varicose veins
Chronic venous insufficiency is a chronic condition that can cause significant pain and discomfort. More serious venous diseases associated with varicose veins include superficial thrombophlebitis and deep-vein thrombosis.
Superficial thrombophlebitis
Thrombophlebitis is a venous condition that develops when your vein grows inflamed, especially because of a blood clot-reducing blood flow.
Signs of superficial thrombophlebitis typically include:
- A visible, tender, red vein
- Inflammation and irritation of the skin
- Pain in your limb
- Hardening of the vein
- Darkening skin color over your vein
- These symptoms can also increase your risk of deep-vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Deep-vein thrombosis
Thrombosis develops when a blood clot forms in your veins. This venous disease occurs when your blood doesn’t circulate or clot properly.
Common causes of thrombosis include:
- A blood clotting disorder
- Prolonged bed rest or sitting
- Being overweight or obese
- Injury or surgery
- Medications, like hormone replacement therapy or birth control
- Certain health conditions, like inflammatory bowel disease, heart failure, or cancer
- A personal or family history of DVT
- Being over 60
DVT is especially serious because blood clots in your veins can break off and travel to your lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism, which blocks blood flow and can cause death.
Signs of deep-vein thrombosis include pain, cramping, or soreness in your leg; red or discolored skin; and a warm sensation. You can also have DVT without any obvious symptoms.
To see if you’re varicose veins indicate a more serious venous condition, contact NJ Cardiovascular Institute or schedule an appointment online today.
by NJ Cardiovascular Institute | Jul 1, 2022 | Blog, Varicose Veins, Venous Health
Your circulatory system contains nearly 60,000 miles of arteries and veins. Arteries transport blood from your heart throughout your body, and veins transport blood back to your heart again with every heartbeat.
Healthy veins are usually invisible, but certain venous conditions can make veins swell and become more noticeable under your skin. In fact, nearly one in four American adults has varicose veins, the most common venous condition in the country.
Varicose veins are large, twisted veins, and they’re most common in your legs and ankles. While they’re also a cosmetic concern, severe varicose veins can compromise blood circulation in your legs.
The good news is that treatment can help. As a heart specialist, Kunal Patel, MD, also diagnoses and treats venous issues like varicose veins. If you’re concerned about varicose veins, our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute is here to help you understand your treatment options.
Lifestyle changes for varicose veins
Not all varicose veins cause symptoms. But some people do experience bothersome symptoms that can include swelling, pain, itching, and muscle cramps.
Whether or not you experience symptoms, varicose veins can be unsightly and embarrassing. If you come to NJ Cardiovascular Institute for vein care, we start with a comprehensive exam and discuss your medical history and your symptoms.
Many people find that the appearance of their varicose veins diminishes and symptoms subside with a combination of lifestyle changes for varicose veins.
Dr. Patel may suggest conservative treatments like:
Avoiding foods high in salt
Elevating your legs when you rest
Exercising regularly
Maintaining a healthy weight
Wearing compression stockings
These treatments can improve blood flow to and from your legs, reduce water retention in your body, and help minimize swelling in your veins. Even if you don’t have bothersome varicose veins right now, these habits can also help you prevent varicose veins from developing later on.
Radiofrequency ablation for varicose veins
If conservative treatment and lifestyle changes don’t make a difference for your varicose veins, you’re not out of options. Talk to Dr. Patel to find out if you’re a good candidate for radiofrequency ablation (RFA) to treat your varicose veins.
RFA is a safe and effective treatment for many people with varicose veins. It’s a minimally invasive outpatient procedure that we do in our office, and little to no downtime is required.
During RFA, Dr. Patel inserts a thin tube into the affected vein and uses an electrical current to gently heat it. The heat permanently damages the vein, and blood stops flowing into it. The entire process generally takes less than an hour.
You may need to wear a compression garment for about a week after RFA. In the weeks following your procedure, the varicose vein will fade from view and your symptoms should subside.
You don’t have to live with embarrassing or uncomfortable varicose veins. With offices in Lakewood, Newark, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute is here to help. Schedule a vein consultation over the phone or send us a message online today.
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