Hot sand and shorts trigger varicose veins

Heart and Vascular Surgeon Dr. Müslim Gül emphasized that lying on hot sand and walking around in shorts can trigger varicose veins disease and can double the pain. Varicose vein disease, which occurs as a result of weakening of the vessel walls and is especially influenced by factors such as standing for long periods, immobility, and genetic predisposition, is greatly affected negatively by heat. Dr. Müslim Gül, Heart and Vascular Surgery Specialist at Sivas Numune Hospital, highlighted that varicose patients tend to increase during the summer season, stating that lying on hot sands at the beach, sunbathing, or walking around in shorts can double the pain for individuals with varicose vein disease. He stated, ‘Hot weather triggers varicose veins.’ Gül mentioned that the sun and UV rays dilate the veins and increase varicose veins, saying, ‘The biggest effect of hot weather is on the cardiovascular system. Because if heart patients cannot replace the fluid lost through sweating in the body, they may experience hypotension, brain stroke due to blood thickening, heart attack, and blood clotting. Normally, heart patients need to drink a lot of water. If the lost water is not replaced during the summer months, the blood thickens like yogurt, making it highly prone to clotting. This can lead to strokes and heart attacks. If a person is not using blood thinners, not taking medications regularly, and not consuming enough fluids, they may encounter such diseases. In addition, varicose vein diseases increase significantly during these hot periods. Sun and UV rays further dilate the veins and increase blood flow downwards. Therefore, sunbathing in the heat, lying on hot sands at the beach, walking around in shorts can lead to both swelling and doubling of varicose veins in the legs, as well as doubling of pain to the extent of being so severe that it won’t even let you sleep. In this sense, unfortunately, the heat does not have a very positive effect.’ He continued, ‘Even a clot smaller than a lentil can cause lifelong paralysis.’ Gül, stating that a brain hemorrhage occurs from a clot smaller than a lentil, said, ‘We definitely do not recommend going out between 10:30 and 14:00, which are the most harmful hours of the sun. Because brain hemorrhages, sudden fainting occur during these hours. What we call a brain hemorrhage is caused by a very small clot. Very small, even smaller than a lentil. However, its effect can lead to lifelong paralysis or being in intensive care. If the cause is fluid loss, it is very easy to replace the fluid. People choose the most difficult ways instead of the easy way. The way to reduce fluid loss is to drink as much water as possible in the morning. If we are going to the market, we should have a water bottle in our hands. We should not neglect drinking water. Even if you don’t feel like it, water should be consumed repeatedly to prevent fluid loss.’