WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF VARICOSE VEINS?

Veins carry impure blood back to the heart.Veins have vein valves thatopen to let the blood pass through and close to prevent blood from flowing backwards. When these valves fail to function, blood gets collected in the veins and causes it to swell. Varicose veins are veins with weak, swollen or damaged vein valves. Varicose veins are dark purple or blue in colour and cause a lot of pain, numbness and fatigue. There are a number of factors that cause Varicose veins. According to Karishma Vein Clinic,a renowned Varicose Vein Clinic In Pune, some of them are listed below:

  • Heredity: People who have close family members suffering from Varicose veins are at a higher risk of developing the disease themselves. Studies have shown that the occurrence of the disease is partly caused by its presence in the patient’s genes.
  • Gender: Varicose vein is more common among women than men. The female hormones have a tendency to relax the vein walls which causes the valves to leak. Hormonal changes that occur during pregnancy or menopause can also cause Varicose veins.
  • Weight: Excessive weight puts excessive pressure on the veins. Each organ of our body has to work harder to tackle the extra weight. Similarly the extra pressure on the vein valves leads to their leaking. Thus people who are obese find themselves more prone to Varicose veins.
  • Profession: There are certain professions that require continuous standing for a long period of time. For example teachers, professors, lecturers, doctors and others whose job demands them to stand for long periods of time have a higher risk of having varicose veins.
  • Age: As a natural process, as you grow old, your body parts start becoming weak. This also happens with the veins. With age, the veins become less elastic and vein valves stop functioning.
  • Pregnancy: Pregnancy causes a lot of changes in the body. The hormonal changes that occur as a result of pregnancy may cause the muscular blood vessels to relax further, causing Varicose veins. During pregnancy, the body gains significant weight which puts you at a higher risk. Blood supply increases during pregnancy to support the child in the womb. This extra blood puts pressure on the veins which may cause the vein valves to relax. As the womb enlarges to make place for the baby, it puts pressure on the pelvic area causing Varicose veins in the pelvic area.
  • Others: Other factors like a previous blood clot; an inflammation; tumour; any abnormality in the blood vessels; chronic heart valve conditions; abdominal pressure can all cause Varicose veins.

Although varicose may occur in any part of the body, they are more commonly found in the legs, thigh, calves and the feet. Most of the time they are a cosmetic problem than a health issue. In some rare cases varicose veins may develop complications like Ulcers, blood clot and bleeding. It is better to avoid sitting and standing for long periods of times. Wearing compression stockings, Surgery, Sclerotherapy, Endovenous laser treatments, Phlebectomy Ligation & Stripping are some of the treatments offered for Varicose Veins.