Symptoms can get worse after standing a long time or at the end of the day. Discoloration – a dark or bronze skin color – extending from the mid-calf down to the ankles can also occur. Over time, the constant pressure on the vein walls from weakened valves, or venous insufficiency, can lead to more inflammation, persistent swelling, further discoloration and leathery skin. In the most severe or advanced cases, ulcers may form at or above the ankles.

Send patients to www.CardioSmart.org/VaricoseVeins for more information.

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Patient benefits from CardioSmart include:

• Personalized newsletters and email alerts
• Ability to track key health indicators and physical activity
• News articles, fact sheets and questions to help facilitate discussions with clinicians.

The ACC’s CardioSmart Heart Explorer App has been revamped to further enhance the clinician and patient relationship at the point of care. Newly enhanced high-resolution cardiac graphics and animations are designed to help effectively review and discuss common heart problems and treatment options with patients. New to the app, heart failure and atrial fibrillation information can be emailed directly to patients through the app. The app is now available for iPhone and Android users. Log-in information is no longer required.

Click here to learn more about the Heart Explorer app.

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