Do I need all of my veins for healthy circulation?

Contrary to popular belief abnormal veins cause a worsening of the circulation in the legs

Whilst certain veins are required for healthy blood flow in the legs, abnormal veins do not function properly and usually have not been used by the body as part of normal blood circulation. In fact these unhealthy veins contain poorly oxygenated blood and free radicals that can cause tissue damage.

When these damaged veins are left within your legs the deeper veins attempt to compensate for this lack of function, placing greater strain on the venous system and in some cases causing them to become abnormal. Once these unhealthy veins have been treated circulation usually improves within the affected limb.

It is important to note that abnormal veins are not harvested for the use in by-pass heart grafts.