Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Physiology & Medicine => Topic started by: amalia on 11/12/2019 16:00:44

Title: Can veins harden like arteries?
Post by: amalia on 11/12/2019 16:00:44

Steve got in touch with an interesting question:
I hear about hardening of the arteries, and plaques in arteries, and blocked & bypass arteries. How come I never hear of the same ailments for veins?
Do you know the answer?

Title: Re: Can veins harden like arteries?
Post by: evan_au on 11/12/2019 22:22:15

Look up "Deep Vein Thrombosis", which is a problem for air travelers and anyone who is inactive.
This can come loose and cause blocked arteries in heart and lungs.
See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deep_vein_thrombosis

Title: Re: Can veins harden like arteries?
Post by: Colin2B on 12/12/2019 13:34:27

I’m not sure DVT is the same as hardening of arteries @evan_au
Hardening of the arteries is called arteriosclerosis, but there is no corresponding word for hardening of veins. I have a vague recollection of reading why it doesn’t occur in veins, but can’t find a ref.
Can anyone help?