Do small blood vessels appear or burst on your legs or thighs? You may be suffering from vascular fragility. This modifies the walls of the blood vessels, making them less resistant. What are the causes and effects of vascular fragility? What lifestyle habits should you adopt to combat this condition?
What is vascular fragility?
1. Capillary fragility
Vascular fragility can affect capillaries and alter the lining of vessel walls. Small vessels then become permeable, creating small red spots. This is sometimes referred to as purpura disease. When capillaries are weakened, the skin marks more easily at the slightest blow or pressure. The skin is also less resistant to temperature changes, taking on a cold, bluish appearance. This capillary fragility poses no particular risk.
2. Fragile veins
Vascular fragility in the veins presents greater risks than in the capillaries. Vessel damage generally occurs in the leg veins. Vascular fragility is often linked to venous insufficiency (disruption of the return of blood to the heart), which can lead to edema or even phlebitis. If the muscular fibers (the architecture of the vein walls) are too distended, this leads to dilatation and varicose veins. If venous insufficiency is not too advanced, it causes symptoms such as heavy legs. It is often associated with lipedema.
3. Arterial fragility
If the damage to the vessel wall occurs in the arteries, the irregularity of the vessel can form pockets, known as aneurysms. If these aneurysms rupture (aortic or brain aneurysm), the danger is very great, and can lead to death.
What solutions should be adopted in cases of vascular fragility?
The importance of physical activity and healthy eating
It cannot be said often enough that daily sport is essential for good physical health:
- Walk at a brisk pace for at least 30 minutes
- Cycling
- Swim
- Aquagym or aquabiking (highly effective in combating venous insufficiency and promoting lymphatic drainage)
- Gym, yoga, pilates.
A healthy, balanced diet also helps maintain good blood circulation. It goes without saying that alcohol and tobacco should be strictly limited in cases of vascular fragility.
Manual lymphatic drainage and massage
These massages stimulate lymph circulation and help detoxify the body. They are performed in private practices, clinics, hospitals and beauty salons.
Wearing compression stockings
Wearing compression stockings or socks is recommended in cases of venous insufficiency and heavy legs. They compress the veins to promote healthy blood and lymph circulation.
Thermal cures
Venous insufficiency is one of the twelve spa treatments recognized by the French social security system. A three-week spa treatment can :
- Relieve all stages of venous insufficiency for several months
- Treating the after-effects of phlebitis and healing varicose ulcers
- Reduce edema.
Vascular fragility can be reduced by adopting simple lifestyle habits.
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