Veins and heart disease

[Caitlyn6]

Is there any link between enlarged veins ( almost varicose but not ) and heart disease. The veins on my feet, hands and neck have become enlarged in last three months and I'm wondering if this be be related to heart? My partner has commented too so it's not just me. I also have dull ache across arms and central sternum. I have had it for three months now so I know I'm not having a heart attack. It came on after dr messed with beta blockers. Thanks in advance. X

[bantam12]

Oooh that's an interesting question because I've been thinking lately that the veins are much more prominent in my ankles and hands, I look forward to some answers.

[Sunnie2day]

Like Bantam12, I too find this an interesting question and look forward to reading replies. I'm on Bisoprolol 1.25mg and the most significant 'side effect' of the beta blocker I've noticed is light-headedness.

My veins have always been 'prominent' and I've not noticed any increase in that but interestingly, when I had my first meeting with the cardiac nurse she wanted to see my hands - and I still don't know what she was looking for (I should have asked but I was still pretty dazed from the potential heart failure suspicion that put me in the Rapid Access Chest Pain unit in the first place). Now you've brought it up, I do wonder - was she looking for some sign of a problem by checking to see if the veins in my hands were raised?

Again, looking forward to reading any replies with some suggestions/information. Thank-you for posting your question!

[Calliope153 in reply to Sunnie2day]

A cardiac nurse friend told me they look at hands to see the colour of the nails. first thing she did when she came to visit me after the heart attack was to look at my hands to see what colour my nails were.

Blue fingernails are caused by a low level or lack of oxygen circulating in your red blood cells.

[Sunnie2day in reply to Calliope153]

Thanks to my childhood diagnosed rheumatic heart, I don't wear coloured nail varnish so any emergency medical care isn't hampered by not being able to check circulation using the old 'bend the nail tip back then quickly release to gauge speed of return to pink' - but she didn't do that, and it did seem her eyes were looking more at the back of my hand than my nail beds.

Having a heart condition as a woman is 'interesting' - I've never worn coloured nail varnish, I've never used foundation or blush so medics can quickly assess if my face is flushed without having to wade through the make-up or worse, think my colour is fine owing to the make-up evening things out and hiding any flushing. I've lived with these rules since childhood - I'm 62 now and NEED some foundation, and I'd love to feel safe to use some colour on my nails

I see the cardiologist on the 18th and am hoping the results of that means I can finally order a proper MedicAlert bracelet that will then permit the use of some more cosmetics beyond a little light eyeliner and mascara. Silly, I know, but the small things matter!

[Caitlyn6 in reply to Sunnie2day]

Thank you for ur reply

[Candlewax in reply to Sunnie2day]

How strange. I too have noticed large veins on my legs and yes some do look varicose. My hands too have protruding veins. I will be seeing my GP in two weeks and intend to ask him about it. I’ll keep you informed but in the meantime I’d you or any other members know any thing I would, along with Sunnie2day and Bantum12 be very interested .

[Hidden]

Funny you say that. Been looking at my Hands lately and the Veins look far more prominent. I just put it down to getting older and skin thinning. Another Question for the Consultant. Glad I've seen that Post.

[Ianc2]

How is your blood pressure?

[Caitlyn6 in reply to Ianc2]

Mine is good. I'm on perindopril and bisoprolol and it's about 115/80. I'm not allowed to have high BP as a type 1 diabetic.

[Booklovingmomma]

I also am having same problems!! Along with swelling of lymph system. Have you found out anything. I am in process of dr appts. Hope you are doing well.

[Caitlyn6 in reply to Booklovingmomma]

No didn’t get any answers. Just have to hide them/put up with them.

[Booklovingmomma in reply to Caitlyn6]

My goodness. Its frightening to me. I also have venous insufficiency and bad leg pain. Vascular dr didnt seem to think the pain I was describing tho was coming from the vein problem. So back to square one!! Thank you for your note.