4 Most Common Risk Factors of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are one of the most common vascular problems. These are usually diagnosed by the appearance of bulging swollen veins that impart dark blue color. Varicose veins can actually indicate a more widespread vascular inefficiency in the body. If proper varicose vein treatment is not given, then the condition can result in many other health complications such as skin ulcers, hyperpigmentation, or deep vein thrombosis.

We always get to know certain health risks and how to avoid them in order to stay in a healthy condition. However, many patients concerned with varicose veins are unfamiliar with the risk factors. Here, we have enlisted the most common risk factors of varicose veins. Check them all to find out if you are at a higher risk.

Family History

Our genes play a big role throughout our life. From our outer appearance to immune system weaknesses and the varicose veins make no exception to this. If any of your family members such as your grandparents or parents have varicose veins, then you are at a higher risk of getting varicose veins! If there is no history of varicose veins in your family, then your chances of developing varicose veins reduce to 20%.

Hormonal Changes

Any changes in the hormone levels in the body have a large impact on the strength and working of the veins and blood flow. For example, in women, high levels of progesterone weaken the veins. In result, the veins can bulge more easily.

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, the increased blood flow escalates the problem. Our veins in the legs have to move the blood upward towards the heart and work against the gravity. The extra pelvic pressure during pregnancy just makes this normal flow difficult and the veins have to work more which makes them weak over a period. Same is the case for obese people. The extra weight makes it difficult to keep the blood flowing in the upward direction against the gravity and damages the valves.

Sedentary Lifestyle

When you don’t move around much, it makes it difficult for veins to push the blood towards the heart. Both sitting for too long and standing for too long weakens your veins and valves and eventually puts you at a higher risk of varicose veins. If you think you have one or more of these risk factors and also have symptoms of varicose veins, contact the best vascular surgeon and get yourself diagnosed. You may be advised a varicose vein treatment or a vascular surgery if you any underlying vascular problem.

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