Varicose Vein Contributing Factors

An estimated 10-20% of adult Americans have varicose veins. While the precise cause of varicose veins is not known, a number of contributing risk factors have been identified.

• Heredity - Varicose veins tend to run in families. A defect in vein walls or valves, is the greatest contributing factor in 70% of cases.
• Gender - Women are much more likely to get varicose veins than men.
• Age - Presence of varicose veins is a progressive condition that worsens in frequency and severity with age.
• Obesity - Excess weight increases the pressure on vein valves and can lead to their weakening.
• Hormones - Changes in hormone levels brought on by puberty, pregnancy, menopause, hormone replacement therapy and the birth control pill can cause varicose veins to develop.
• Pregnancy - An increased progesterone level, increased volume of blood in the body and increased pressure on the pelvic veins are all contributors. Veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery and may disappear completely. However, more abnormal veins are likely to develop and persist after subsequent pregnancies.
• Occupation - People whose jobs require them to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time have an increased risk of developing varicose veins. While standing still or sitting, there is an increase of blood pressure on the closed vein valves that contributes to their weakening.
  

Occasionally, varicose veins may appear as a symptom of a more serious medical condition such as:

• Blood clots or blockage in the deep veins or perforator veins
• Injury to the deep veins
• Arteriovenous fistulas, an abnormal passageway between arteries and veins.