Contents
What are varicose veins?
Varicose veins, medically referred to as varicosities, are swollen, enlarged, and twisted veins. They are most common in the legs, but can occur on any part of the body. Varicose veins are sometimes accompanied by symptoms such as cramping, aching, heaviness, and itching in the legs.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins are caused by a variety of factors. They are likely caused by a combination of a person’s genes, sex, age, lifestyle, and other health conditions.
Genetics
In many cases, varicose veins are hereditary. Members of the same family may have a higher risk of developing varicose veins if other family members have them.
Sex
Women are more likely to suffer from varicose veins than men. This could be due to genetics or hormones like estrogen and progesterone.
Age
Older age often increases the risk of varicose veins because of changes to the structure and elasticity of the veins with age. Additionally, the risk of varicose veins increases with prolonged periods of sitting or standing.
Lifestyle
Lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, obesity, wearing tight clothing can increase the risk of varicose veins.
Other health conditions
Certain medical conditions such as leg trauma, deep vein thrombosis, and venous reflux disease can also predispose a person to varicose veins.
Keywords
Varicose veins, causes, genetics, sex, age, lifestyle, health conditions, genes, estrogen, progesterone, sitting, standing, obesity, tight clothing, trauma, deep vein thrombosis, venous reflux disease.
