Are Varicose Veins in Your Future?

Probably. While most people like to think that varicose veins are uncommon, the opposite is true. In the United States, as many as 80 million men and women suffer from this condition. This translates to nearly seventy-five per cent of all women and forty per cent of all men. Several factors contribute to the likelihood that one will develop varicose veins. Prominent among these are age, gender, heredity, and overall physical health.

Why does risk increase with age? Varicose veins imply damage to the valves inside the veins. Normally, veins bring deoxygenated blood to the heart and lungs. As individuals age, valves can become weaker, allowing blood that is supposed to flow to the vital organs to instead flow backwards. The result is that some blood will 'pool' in the veins and appear visible. These veins will look 'thick,' twisted or enlarged. For individuals who stand as they work, the risk is exacerbated by the daily pressure they place on their legs. For similar reasons, obesity can increase ones propensity for this condition, since additional weight can place additional pressure on the legs.

Heredity is also known to play a significant factor. If you have a parent with varicose veins, your chances of developing this condition are markedly increased. Some studies even cite this as the most common factor, suggesting that more than 50 per cent of all cases are attributable to genetic predisposition.

Women make up the majority of patients due of hormonal influences, particularly during times of physiological change. Because these changes are greatest during puberty, pregnancy, pre-menopause and menopause, these are also times when a woman is most likely to develop varicose veins.

Pregnant women have added risk because pregnancy itself places multiple stresses on the body. This occurs because pregnant women produce more blood to support the developing foetus, which in turn causes their veins to experience increased stress as they work harder to transport the additional volume of blood. Changes in weight also impact the development of varicose veins since it increases pressure on the body generally, and in particular the legs. Women who have multiple pregnancies increase their risk with each ensuing pregnancy.

Other physical conditions can increase risk, including heart problems and diabetes because both can impact blood flow and overall vein health. Individuals who smoke may also be more prone to varicose veins because smoking naturally constricts the blood vessels placing increased stress on the veins and valves.

But there are treatment options, like varicose veins removal, or stripping, or the VNUS Closure Procedure. Varicose veins are not a fatality.

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