Top 5 Varicose Veins Risk Factors

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Veins Risk Factors

Varicose veins are swollen, enlarged, and twisted veins that often appear dark purple or blue. They occur when faulty blood veins allow blood to pool or flow in the wrong direction. Recent studies have revealed that over 23% of adults suffer from varicose veins. Also, one in every four adults in the US is battling with this health condition.

There are many common and effective treatments for varicose veins. Your doctor will take you through these options and choose one depending on the nature of your varicose veins and the severity of the symptoms.

Varicose veins risk factors.

Here are the varicose vein risk factors:

  1. Gender

Accumulating scientific evidence suggests that women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men. Various studies have linked the frequent hormonal changes in women to a higher risk of developing bulging veins.

  1. Pregnancy

Most women develop varicose veins during the pregnancy period. The fast-growing fetus in the womb puts a lot of pressure on the mother’s lower abdomen. This increases the amount of blood in this region, and this could result in bulging veins. The good news is that these veins might disappear after delivery.

  1. Weight

Being obese or overweight is one of the risk factors for developing varicose veins. The increased body weight tends to exert a lot of pressure on the blood vessels in your legs. This can strain the valves and vein walls resulting in varicose veins. Most doctors recommend losing weight as this can help manage the condition or prevent the development of spider veins or varicose veins.

  1. Age

As we get older, our blood vessels age with us. With time, the vein walls and valves weaken. This increases the risk of developing varicose veins. Accumulating scientific evidence suggests that this risk is higher at 40 years. Thus, it is essential to adopt a healthy lifestyle as you age to reduce the chances of developing varicose veins.

  1. Genetics

If your family has a history of varicose veins, you are at risk of having spider or varicose veins. Other blood-related issues such as blood clots and deep pain thrombosis heighten the risk of varicose veins and other related health issues.

Preventing varicose veins

Here are tips to help you prevent varicose veins:

  • Avoid sitting or standing for a long time
  • It is important to wear a stocking or compression hosiery to help keep your veins in the right position
  • Ditch unhealthy habits and focus on living a healthy lifestyle
  • Exercise regularly and make it your routine

As mentioned earlier, pregnancy increases the risk of developing varicose veins. But minor habits like your sleeping position can prevent this health condition. For example, sleeping on your left side can lower the risk of varicose veins. If you already have bulging veins, this sleeping position reduces the pressure put on your expanding uterus exerts on your blood vessels.

Varicose veins are a common health condition that’s treatable. Consult with your doctor for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

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