Tag Archives: vein specialist tampa

01.01.22
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What You Should Know About Vein Disease

West Florida Vein Center

West Florida Vein CenterVaricose veins are only a symptom of vein disease. While they can be problematic, they are not the only bodily effect. If you have chronic insufficiency of the venous system, you may also experience leg ulcerations on the skin that are very hard to heal as well as discoloration of the skin around the ankles.

Those with CVI also often report feeing tightness in their calves, swelling, and itching as well as pain. These are all made worse with movement and feel a bit better when at rest.

Why does Chronic Venous Insufficiency Occur?

CVI is a condition that occurs when veins responsible for pumping blood back towards the heart are unable to do their job any longer due to deterioration and weakness. The blood instead becomes pooled uncomfortably within the veins forcing them to expand and wear down.

This medical condition most commonly occurs in the legs, as it these veins that must fight the hardest against the forces of gravity in order to pump blood upwards towards the heart. While chronic venous insufficiency in itself does not pose a serious threat, it can be extremely uncomfortable for any patient who experiences it and may also present signs that other associated conditions are present, associated conditions which can pose serious threats.

Causes
The causes of CVI are quite varied, and like other venous disorders, typically develop from a combination of both genetic and individual lifestyle factors. Those who are older or who have a family history of vein disease are more likely to develop CVI, and while it was once thought that women are more affected than men, recent research has shown that both men and women are equally susceptible. Factors that are within a patient’s control include obesity, smoking, lack of exercise or general inactivity, or working in a profession that requires long periods of sitting or standing. In addition, CVI can also develop because of injury to an area or as an associated condition to such disorders as high blood pressure or deep vein thrombosis, the latter of which is a very serious venous condition.

Prevention
The recommendations for preventing chronic venous insufficiency are nearly identical to the recommendations given for maintaining your vein health in general. This advice includes maintaining a healthy diet and body weight, remaining active and getting frequent exercise, quitting smoking if applicable, and protecting your legs from trauma or injury. If you travel frequently or work in a profession that limits your movement, try to work in as many breaks as you can to move around and get your circulation going.

If any of the above symptoms sound familiar to you or you feel that you may be at risk for developing CVI in the near future, especially if your family history or personal history indicates such risk, then please contact Dr. Zuzga at the West Florida Vein Center today to schedule a vein screening by calling (727) 712-3233. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

 

12.02.21
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The Circulatory System Explained Simply

West Florida Vein Center Tampa Florida Dr. Zuzga

At West Florida Vein Center, we realize that most of our patients are not doctors themselves and many have likely only a basic understanding of the vascular circulatory system as a whole.

While this is generally fine, as a person ages or their vein health becomes an issue, there may come a time when treatment at a vein center by a licensed vascular specialist becomes necessary. For those who become vein patients, a certain knowledge and understanding of the vascular system as a whole becomes vital in understanding and addressing their conditions.

West Florida Vein Center Tampa Florida Dr. ZuzgaBelow you will find a basic introduction to the vascular system.

This basic guide is simply meant to introduce you to some of the vocabulary your vein specialist will likely be using in appointments with you, ensuring that their directions and recommendations are clear.

The vascular system (circulatory system) is made up of a series of blood vessels designed to carry blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body’s tissues. At the same time, waste matter is picked up throughout the tissues and carried to the correct locations for disposal.

There are three major types of blood vessels

  • Capillaries are extremely numerous and tiny blood vessels located between the veins and arteries. The main purpose of capillaries is to assist both the arteries and the veins as they perform their functions. Capillaries distribute the oxygenated blood from the arteries out into the cells, and then collect the waste and distribute it back into the veins
  • Veins are medium-sized vessels that perform an extremely important function in the circulatory system. It is the job of the body’s veins to pump blood from throughout the body’s tissues back to the heart, expanding as they collect waste.
  • Arteries are the largest, fewest, and most vital vessels within the human body. The purpose of arteries is to carry oxygen-rich blood pumped directly out of the heart and distribute it throughout all other tissues. The body’s major arteries are quite large but break down into smaller and smaller branches in order to be able to reach all of the body’s organs.

It’s easy to see how crucial this system is to all the health of the body.

Other vital systems include – the respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems, as well as the body’s ability to regulate its own temperature – would not be able to function without nearly constant interaction from the vascular system. Because the pumping action in the vascular system has to constantly battle with the force of gravity, the body’s arteries, veins, and capillaries must work very hard, and they are highly sensitive to problems and issues.

While you may understand the vascular system a little better after reading this, unless you are a physician you will most likely not be able to self-diagnose or treat any venous conditions that come up. Without a properly functioning system of blood vessels to distribute oxygen and eliminate waste, the body would simply fail.

To learn more about the vascular system and the importance of your vascular health, please get in touch with Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. at West Florida Vein Center today. www.westfloridaveincenter.com 727-712-3233.

08.01.21
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Vein Treatments That Can Turn Back Time in Your Legs

varicose veins safety harbor tampa florida west florida vein center

varicose veins safety harbor tampa florida west florida vein centerVaricose veins and leg pain do NOT have to be permanent!

As we begin to age, much like owning a classic car, small things start to go wrong. One of the most prevalent issues in aging is the weakening of the body as a whole. As muscle mass can begin to soften and decline the support around the vein walls in your circulatory system may begin to weaken as well.

What happens during the formation of varicose veins?

When vein walls weaken, they can actually collapse. This collapse can lead to blood pooling and pushing on the walls causing them to expand. Blood can rise to the surface causing patches of reddened skin and over time ulcerations. Blood may also begin to clot. If a clot forms and then breaks loose it may travel through the circulatory system, if it reaches the brain, the heart, or the lungs, you may end up experiencing a stroke, a heart attack, a pulmonary embolism, or possibly death.

This is why paying attention to your vein health is so important. The best time to seek the help of a professional Vein Specialist is as soon as you begin to notice signs and symptoms of varicose or spider veins. This also includes extremely tired and possibly swollen legs, ankles, and feet at the end of a long day. Vein issues often start well under the visible layer of skin and eventually rise up over time.

Modern vein treatments cut off the issue at the source.

While they do not guarantee that no new issues will ever form, they do stop current problems from spreading, deepening, and becoming a far bigger more painful problem down the road.

At West Florida Vein Center of Safety Harbor Florida in the Tampa Bay region you will sit down, one-on-one with Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. who will assess your personal health situation and history building a customized vein treatment plan just for you.

If you are ready to “re-age” your legs and feel better than you ever have, give us a call at 727-712-3233 or visit us on the web at www.westfloridaveincenter.com to learn more about our practice and what options we offer.

We look forward to meeting you!

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06.03.21
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Is Venous Ablation a Possibility for Me?

varicose-veins-west-florida-vein-center-ablation

varicose-veins-west-florida-vein-center-ablationVaricose veins, especially in the advanced stages, can become very painful. Twisting, pooling, bulging, enlarged, swollen, and even ulcerated. They distract from daily life and detract from the quality of it.

Those suffering from varicose veins often live with daily pain that does not seem to go away. It can wear you down and exhaust you. As this happens many will find us in their search for answers and solutions.

Consulting a Vein Specialist is the best course of action. Let them use their years of expertise, experience, and education to pinpoint and target the best treatment plan for your particular case. Vein treatment is not a one size fits all.

Among the procedures, one of the most popular and effective is Endovenous Ablation.  This procedure is performed in-office and takes usually less than an hour. It accomplishes the same goal as vein striping which is far more invasive.  It uses ultrasound guidance combined with a local anesthetic. A thin laser fiber is inserted via the catheter to help thread it up the vein to the desired location.

As the laser is withdrawn it shrinks and seals the enlarged and damaged veins. They will then be reabsorbed into the body and the blood re-routed. There is little to no scarring and has a 97% success rate.

Is Endovenous Ablation Painful?

It is a virtually painless procedure. You will feel the injection of anesthetic but after that will be numb. You may feel a slight pressure but there should be no pain.

The recovery time is minimal. We recommend taking the rest of the day off to rest and you should be ok to go back to work and resume normal activity the next day. Strenuous exercise should wait one full week to eliminate the risk of bruising. Mild over-the-counter pain relievers should be strong enough. Ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or other NSAIDs. Should you be a rare case that needs something stronger Dr. Zuzga, D.O. is happy to work with you.

Endovenous ablation is noninvasive and does not involve any incisions. Because of this, there is no scarring risk.

Ready to see if this procedure is right for you? Give the office of Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. a call today. The West Florida Vein Center is waiting on your call. 727-712-3233.

05.05.21
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Eliminate leg pain with a Visit to Dr. Zuzga, D.O. of The West Florida Vein Center

dr-mark-zuzga-west-florida-vein-center-vein-treatment

Ready to Live Life with Pain Free Legs?

dr-mark-zuzga-west-florida-vein-center-vein-treatmentPain detracts from life. It can be incredibly difficult to care about much else when you are not feeling your best. Leg pain caused by varicose veins can range from mild to debilitating and hamper your ability to get through the day.

There is an alternative. There is help.

Hi, I am Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O. of the West Florida Vein Center located in Safety Harbor, Florida serving the Tampa Bay area. I have made it my life’s mission to care for and help those struggling with venous insufficiency.

I love what I do, and it gives me great fulfillment to see patients walk out of the office feeling good and good about themselves once again.  There have been so many amazing medical advances over the years that allow physicians who have chosen to dedicate their practices to the correction of venous disease that can take you from discomfort and pain and the unsightly bugles caused by vein deterioration to the repaired state of having healthy pain free beautiful legs once again.

In our office we offer the following treatments which can help eradicate varicose and spider veins as well as ulcerations, itchiness, vein related skin issues, pain, swelling, and tenderness.

Venefit Targeted Endovenous Therapy 

Microphlebectomy 

Sclerotherapy

Endovenous Thermal Ablation 

Click on each link above to learn more about the individual procedures on our website.

Every patient’s treatment is custom tailored to his or her own personal health needs. When you come into the office, I will sit down with you for a personal consultation going over your health history as well as what is currently going on that you are concerned with. We will do a physical examination and I will recommend the best course of treatment.

From there you can decide how you would like to proceed going forward. Choosing to correct vein damage can drastically improve your quality of life and most procedures are deemed medically necessary and covered by insurance.

Give us a call today at 727-712-3233 or visit www.WestFloridaveincenter.com to learn more. We look forward to seeing you in our office!

Sincerely,

Dr. Mark Zuzga, D.O.

04.03.21
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Can How You Dress Affect Your Vein Health? – Absolutely Can!

wardrobe-and-circulatory-health-west-florida-vein-center

wardrobe-and-circulatory-health-west-florida-vein-centerWearing certain clothing styles has been linked directly to aggravation of varicose and spider veins. 

Because varicose veins are bulging, ropy, and red or purplish in color, they tend to really stand out no matter where they are located on the body, though they are most commonly present on the legs.

Also because varicose veins are so noticeable, and not in a good way, it should come as no surprise that those who are affected by them generally try to hide their appearance. Typically, this involves wearing pants year-round, which if you live in Southern Florida, can definitely present a problem.

Now that you know how your veins are affecting the way you dress; you should consider how the way you dress is affecting your veins. While the clothing that you wear will not lead to the development of varicose veins in themselves, your clothing can contribute to the level of comfort or discomfort that you feel daily.

Tight Clothing
It may seem contradictory that compression stockings are recommended for those with venous disease, and yet, at the same time, tight clothing can contribute to the development of varicose veins. While compression stockings were specially designed to apply certain levels of compression to certain areas of the legs and feet, simply wearing tight clothing will not have the same beneficial effects.

Tight clothing, especially items that are more constrictive around the legs and waist, can have detrimental effects on the veins in the long term. This is because they restrict the normal circulation of blood, obstructing the flow of blood from the legs back to the heart, resulting in an increase in pressure within the veins.

High Heels

Wearing high heels may initially make your legs look better while you are wearing them but can only make things worse in the long run if special care is not taken.

Walking in high heels changes the natural motion of your legs and feet, shifting your weight from the calves into the toes and forefoot instead. This results in a less forceful calf muscle pump, which in turn results in the pooling of blood within the leg veins.

Because the higher the heel is, the more negative the results, vein specialists usually recommend keeping heels low and only wearing them during special events or occasions. If you typically wear stockings when in heels, it is also recommended that you wear compression stockings whenever possible, as they can ease the symptoms of venous insufficiency and are virtually indistinguishable in appearance from regular stockings.

Compression Stockings

Compression stockings are a special type of hosiery designed specifically to prevent varicose veins from forming and to prevent the progression of current varicose veins from getting worse. Built to compress the legs in specific ways and locations, compression stockings can greatly relieve venous pressure along with much of the discomfort that comes as a result.

Compression stockings are tightest at the ankles and become progressively looser towards the thighs, increasing arterial pressure and allowing more blood to reach the heart and less blood to pool in the feet and ankles. While compression stockings are sometimes prescribed by physicians, they are available over-the-counter in most drug stores and pharmacies.

For more information on venous insufficiency treatments and home remedies for pain or discomfort associated with varicose veins, or to discuss whether a compression stockings prescription is right for you,
contact Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center today
at (727) 712-3233. www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

 

06.01.20
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Vein Disease – More Than a Surface Issue

chemoablation

varicose-veins-tampa-flVaricose and spider veins are unsightly and sometimes embarrassing. It’s easy to consider them just a visual issue and dismiss them. The problem is that they are a medial issue that can become worse over time. The time to stop them is now.

Varicose veins don’t simply appear because you have hit a certain age. They are being cased by something physical going wrong. Varicose veins are damaged veins.

The underlying physical cause is important because without knowing the cause it is difficult to alter behaviors or lifestyle which can potentially help quell the uprising. Things like smoking cigarettes, drinking alcohol in excess, standing or sitting for very long periods of time, excess stress on the legs due to non circulation of being seated for long flights or road trips, and bad fatty chemical-laden diets can all come into play.

Vein disease may also be genetic and hereditary. If your parents or grandparents had vein issues you are at a raised risk level yourself.

Many people mistakenly believe that spider veins and varicose veins are simply a cosmetic issue and from that thought, also conclude that treatment would be cosmetic in nature and therefore not covered by their medical health insurance. The truth of the matter is that it is a medical condition called Venous Insufficiency ie. Vein disease. It isn’t just cosmetic and over time it can morph from just visual into aching, painful, itchy legs that range from annoying to debilitating.

The best time to halt vein problems in their tracks is as soon as they start. Talk with your insurance company and go see your local Vein Specialist for a consultation and diagnosis so you can see what exactly you are dealing with and what your options are. Most vein issues the treatment is covered by your insurance leaving you with only a copay for the office visit.

If you are in the Tampa Bay/Safety Harbor, Florida area we would love to meet with you. Dr. Mark Zuzga is one of the top leading experts in vein care here in Florida and can get your legs back to the best state of health possible in a short amount of time.

Give us a call at 727-712-3233 or visit us on the web to learn more about our services and practice by going to www.westfloridaveincenter.com.

06.01.20
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Endocarditis – It Can Be Avoided

endocarditis-tampa-cardio-heart-infection

endocarditis-tampa-cardio-heart-infectionInfective Endocarditis is an infection of the endocardium, by way of bacteria or fungus. It often leads to the onset of symptoms such as fever, anemia, heart murmurs, petechiae, and embolic phenomena.

Endocarditis infections may seem like dental issues it can easily leeway into heart issues. Dental care is paramount in heart health. Should your gums become sensitive and bleed regularly when you brush or floss you are at a higher risk.
Alternate additional tools like using a dental water pick, swishing with warm salt water rinses, and flossing daily can help your gums to heal and even prevent this.

Infections are generally strep or staph. They are caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream through normal daily activity on top of an injury or tears in the mouth by way of brushing too hard dental work, or even dental disease. Those who use IV drugs illegally or even IV therapy medically are also at a raised risk.

Dental infections – Symptoms to look out for:

  • Fever
  • Chills
  • Abnormal heart sounds
  • Skin becoming paler than usual
  • Joint Pain
  • Nausea
  • Night Sweats
  • Muscle Pain
  • Loss of appetite
  • Left upper abdomen feeling full
  • Weight Loss

Treatment: is done by way of antibiotic medications. It is important to see your doctor as soon as you suspect you may have an infection.

Heart problems: This bacteria which has entered the bloodstream can settle in the heart and heart valves. Those with heart conditions have a greater likely hood of developing it. IE specifically refers to an infection in the lining of the heart but also may affect the muscles and flaps.

It may present as:

Subacute (or subacute bacterial endocarditis) — develops slowly over a period of weeks to several months.

Acute — develops suddenly and may become life-threatening within days

When it comes to IE preventative is the best care. With that said, never hesitate to come to us at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates of Tampa Bay, Florida if you feel like you need help with your heart. Always listen to your body.

We can be reached by dialing 813-975-2800. You may also learn more about us on our site at WWW.TAMPACARDIO.COM.

04.03.20
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Anxiety and Heart Disease

chest pain anxiety heart disease tampa cardio

chest pain anxiety heart disease tampa cardioAnxiety disorders affect 40 million adults in the USA. 

Anxiety can make your body feel like you are having a heart attack. Chest based feelings of butterflies to sharp pains are not uncommon. 

Anxiety is not healthy in the short term but long term it can cause you to become ill emotionally and physically. Chronic anxiety can raise your risk for heart issues.

While small amounts of stress are healthy and even motivating, feeling worried or anxious now and then is normal. It’s when it becomes chronic that it may pose a negative threat to your wellbeing.

Generalized anxiety disorder is defined by at least 6 months of excessive worrying or feeling anxious about unrelated events. Approximately 5% of adults meet the criteria for this disorder. The incidence is higher, coming in at 11% among those with coronary artery disease and 13% of those with heart failure.

It has not been established whether anxiety sets off heart disease or vice versa. It is known that chronic anxiety can change the way the body reacts to stress. This happens via hormones and physiological reactions meant to keep us safe – known as the flight or fight response.

If your fight or flight response is constantly engaged it can lead to heart issues as well as adrenal burn out which may, in turn, cause other endocrine system issues.

Anxiety can present the same symptoms as a heart attack

A panic attack is so very similar in feel to a heart attack people often mistake them. Upon a trip to the ER, you will receive a diagnosis of non-cardiac chest pain. As many as 1 in 3 people will experience this in their lifetime.

What can you do?

The best answer medical professionals have found so far is a combination of medication and talk therapy. A cognitive-behavioral therapist will help you identify unwanted thoughts and establish what is anxiety-based and what is something that genuinely needs to be looked at and considered.

Medications work as a temporary bandaid to allow you to get through tough anxiety-filled times while working through the root cause with a therapist or on your own using tools such as automatic writing, meditation, yoga, or other relaxation healing based activities.

Never ignore chest pain. It is far better to be safe than sorry. If you are in the Tampa Florida area and looking for a cardiologist we invite you to check out the physicians at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates. www.tampacardio.com 813-975-2800.

03.10.20
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PCS – Pelvic Congestion Syndrome – Diagnosis and Treatment

Pelvic-Congestion-Syndrome-Tampa-Cardio

Pelvic-Congestion-Syndrome-Tampa-CardioPelvic Congestion Syndrome is a chronic medical condition that affects nearly 1/3 of all women at some point during their lifetime.

Pelvic congestion syndrome is a condition that causes chronic pain in the pelvic region. When this happens, the veins in your pelvis can enlarge and change shape, like varicose veins. This type of damage causes veins to become varicose. Blockages create backflows of blood because the veins do not close properly anymore. The result is pressure build-up and bulging veins. When this happens in the region of the pelvis varicose veins can affect the uterus, vulva, and ovaries causing great pain and distress.

 It can be diagnosed when it is nonrelated to the menstrual cycle and lasts 6 months or longer (the time frame for a condition to be considered chronic). This condition is aggravated by standing for long periods of time.

How to Diagnose PCS

Pelvic Congestion Syndrome may occur in a wide range of ages for women between 20 and 50 years of age. Additional symptoms can include abnormal menstrual bleeding, irritable bladder, vaginal discharge and even visible varicose veins present on the thighs, vulva or buttocks. These areas are often overlooked and do not show up on imaging. Because of this, it is often tough to diagnose. Make sure you do a thorough at-home mirror check of your entire body and report any abnormalities to your doctor.

If pelvic pain worsens later in the day or when standing yet you can’t seem to get a proper diagnosis to come into Tampa Cardiovascular Associates we are able to work in conjunction with your gynecologist.

The Treatment

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia with IV sedation. The blood supply to the veins is blocked by the use of coils and embolic agents. An 80% pain reduction has been reported by those who have undergone this procedure.

Pelvic congestion syndrome is treated using minimally invasive, non-surgical, trans-catheter techniques. Contrast dye may be injected to confirm which veins are affected. If varices are found on venography, they are embolized with small coils or other FDA approved chemical agents.

The Recovery

The first of two visits is an overnight admission to the hospital. The purpose is for managed pain care during the first 24 hours. The patient is then discharged and can recover at home using oral pain medication for the relief of discomfort. Any pain experienced is most significant during the first three days after either procedure.

The second is an outpatient appointment. Most patients see great improvement. It is important to note that in some cases other pelvic veins are also affected and may require further treatment in the future.

If you are experiencing pelvic pain that seems outside the scope of normal monthly reproductive cycle issues, please give us a call at Tampa Cardiovascular Associates at 813-975-2800. www.TampaCardio.com