What Causes Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins are leg veins that have grown large and swollen due to defective valves. They may become winding, protrude from the skin and/or become blue over time.
The function of the veins is to return blood to the heart. To keep blood from pooling in the legs due to the pull of gravity when sitting or standing, valves within the vein close between pulse contractions holding the blood in place when it is not moving toward the
heart.
When valves do not close properly, it is called chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Over time, varicose veins develop as blood is not adequately propelled toward the heart and pools in the legs.
Call
773-989-3957 to schedule an appointment to treat your varicose veins.
Risk Factors for Varicose Veins
Unfortunately, there is no known prevention method, but what causes varicose veins? A number of risk factors, including:
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Gender
Females are twice as likely to develop varicose veins as males, although many men also experience varicose veins.
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Advancing Age
Varicose veins are more prevalent in individuals over the age of 40.
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Family History
It is likely that multiple genes are involved in determining whether an individual will develop varicose veins.
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Multiple Pregnancies
Due to the hormones released during pregnancy and the pressure that carrying a baby places on the inferior vena cava (IVC), the main vein returning blood to the heart from the lower extremities, varicose veins often develop during pregnancy.
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Excessive Sitting or Standing
Certain occupations such as teachers, waiters, and other individuals standing for large portions of the day are more likely to develop varicose veins.
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Obesity
Including other factors associated with obesity such as lack of physical activity.
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Prior Injury or Surgery
Which may have caused trauma to the mechanical components of veins.
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History of DVT
Blood clots can damage the valves in the veins.
Symptoms of Varicose Veins
Symptoms of varicose veins often get worse with prolonged standing and improve with leg elevation. They include:
Contact Us
Call
773-989-3957 to schedule an appointment to treat your varicose veins.
