What Are Varicose Veins From? Causes & Risk Factors Of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a common condition that affects over 30% of adults in the United States. If you have varicose veins, you may be wondering what caused them to develop. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the causes and risk factors of varicose veins so you can better understand what might have led to their development.

Before we dive into the causes and risk factors of varicose veins, let’s first define what they are. Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that often appear blue or dark purple. They most commonly occur in the legs and feet, but can also develop in other parts of the body.

Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction in the veins’ one-way valves. Normally, these valves help blood flow from the legs back up to the heart. However, if the valves don’t function properly, blood can flow backward and pool in the veins, causing them to become swollen and twisted. This is called chronic venous insufficiency and it is the root cause of varicose veins.

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of varicose veins. Some of the most common causes include:

• Genetics: If you have a family history of varicose veins, you may be more likely to develop them due to a genetic predisposition.
• Age: As you age, your veins can become less flexible and less efficient at moving blood, increasing your risk of developing varicose veins. The walls of the veins can weaken, causing the valves to malfunction.
• Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes, such as those that occur during pregnancy, menopause, and taking birth control pills, can increase your risk of developing varicose veins. These hormonal changes can cause the veins to enlarge and cause the valves to malfunction.
• Obesity: Being overweight or obese can increase the pressure on your veins and make them more likely to become swollen and twisted. Excess weight places additional stress on the veins and makes it more difficult for blood to flow upwards.
• Standing or sitting for long periods of time: If you have a job that requires you to stand or sit for long periods of time, this can put extra pressure on your veins and increase your risk of developing varicose veins. This is because standing or sitting in one position for a long time puts extra pressure on the veins in your legs, making it more difficult for blood to flow upwards.

It’s worth noting that a combination of these factors can increase your risk of developing varicose veins. For example, if you have a family history of varicose veins, are aging, and have a job that requires you to stand for long periods of time, your risk of developing varicose veins is even greater.