Varicose Veins Risk Factors
Varicose veins are a health problem that millions of Americans face. Varicose veins are those discolored, twisted veins that bulge above the skin's surface. They typically affect areas of the legs, but varicose veins can develop in other areas of the body as well. The unattractive appearance of varicose veins isn't the only problem, though. The fact is that, if left untreated, varicose veins can lead to complications, including blood clots and pulmonary embolism. Though it's true that many patients in New Jersey and throughout the country live with varicose veins that never cause them pain or other symptoms, varicose veins can cause significant symptoms in other patients. Some of these symptoms include itching, burning, pain, and serious circulatory problems. And it's not just a condition that affects seniors, either. In fact, some of the risk factors for varicose veins may surprise you.
1. Age: Age is one of the major risk factors for the development of varicose veins. People over the age of 40 have a much higher risk of developing varicose veins, and the risk gets higher beyond 50. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can help you avoid varicose veins as you age.
2. Overweight: Being overweight is another of the major risk factors in developing varicose veins. Extra weight puts extra pressure on legs and other areas of the body, and it puts extra pressure on the heart and circulatory system.
3. Pregnancy: Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that are another risk factor for developing varicose veins. Additionally, pregnancy also can bring with it weight gain, which is another major risk factor for varicose veins. During pregnancy, the heart needs to pump more blood. All of these factors combined cause significant stress on veins.
4. Sitting or standing for long periods of time: Those whose jobs require them to stand or sit in front of a computer for long periods of time are at a greater risk for developing varicose veins. If your job has you standing or sitting for extended periods, get up and move around often in order to promote optimal blood circulation.
5. Genes: Heredity is a risk factor in developing varicose veins, as it is with most health conditions. If you have a family member who has varicose veins, your risk of developing them is greater. Again, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, low sodium diet, and regular exercise can help to prevent varicose veins.
6. Birth control pills, hormone replacement, and hormonal changes: Just as with pregnancy, other types of hormonal changes can lead to the development of varicose veins. That's why birth control pills and hormone replacement can lead to varicose veins. Medications that contain progesterone and estrogen can contribute to the development of varicose veins, especially if they are taken over a prolonged period of time. Hormonal changes during puberty and menopause can be a risk factor in developing varicose veins. Additionally, hormonal replacement therapy can be a risk factor. Talk to your doctor if you're on hormone replacement to learn what you can do to prevent the development of varicose veins.
7. Injury: Injuries that include the veins or blood vessels, especially in the legs, can lead to circulation problems, and this can lead to the development of varicose veins. If you've had an injury, especially to the legs, it's important to have proper and optimal physical therapy in order to keep blood flowing properly.
8. Too much sun: Spending a lot of time in the sun without proper sunscreen is another, unexpected risk factor of varicose veins. When spending time in the sun, it's important to use proper sunscreen on your face, arms, neck, legs, etc., in order to minimize the sun's damage to the skin's surface.
Varicose veins aren't just for your grandmother. Adults of just about any age can develop these bulging, unsightly veins. If you're someone who has any of the above risk factors for varicose veins, it's best to start taking preventive measures now to avoid developing varicose veins.
1. Age: Age is one of the major risk factors for the development of varicose veins. People over the age of 40 have a much higher risk of developing varicose veins, and the risk gets higher beyond 50. Maintaining a healthy weight and exercising regularly can help you avoid varicose veins as you age.
2. Overweight: Being overweight is another of the major risk factors in developing varicose veins. Extra weight puts extra pressure on legs and other areas of the body, and it puts extra pressure on the heart and circulatory system.
3. Pregnancy: Pregnancy causes hormonal changes that are another risk factor for developing varicose veins. Additionally, pregnancy also can bring with it weight gain, which is another major risk factor for varicose veins. During pregnancy, the heart needs to pump more blood. All of these factors combined cause significant stress on veins.
4. Sitting or standing for long periods of time: Those whose jobs require them to stand or sit in front of a computer for long periods of time are at a greater risk for developing varicose veins. If your job has you standing or sitting for extended periods, get up and move around often in order to promote optimal blood circulation.
5. Genes: Heredity is a risk factor in developing varicose veins, as it is with most health conditions. If you have a family member who has varicose veins, your risk of developing them is greater. Again, maintaining a healthy lifestyle that includes proper nutrition, low sodium diet, and regular exercise can help to prevent varicose veins.
6. Birth control pills, hormone replacement, and hormonal changes: Just as with pregnancy, other types of hormonal changes can lead to the development of varicose veins. That's why birth control pills and hormone replacement can lead to varicose veins. Medications that contain progesterone and estrogen can contribute to the development of varicose veins, especially if they are taken over a prolonged period of time. Hormonal changes during puberty and menopause can be a risk factor in developing varicose veins. Additionally, hormonal replacement therapy can be a risk factor. Talk to your doctor if you're on hormone replacement to learn what you can do to prevent the development of varicose veins.
7. Injury: Injuries that include the veins or blood vessels, especially in the legs, can lead to circulation problems, and this can lead to the development of varicose veins. If you've had an injury, especially to the legs, it's important to have proper and optimal physical therapy in order to keep blood flowing properly.
8. Too much sun: Spending a lot of time in the sun without proper sunscreen is another, unexpected risk factor of varicose veins. When spending time in the sun, it's important to use proper sunscreen on your face, arms, neck, legs, etc., in order to minimize the sun's damage to the skin's surface.
Varicose veins aren't just for your grandmother. Adults of just about any age can develop these bulging, unsightly veins. If you're someone who has any of the above risk factors for varicose veins, it's best to start taking preventive measures now to avoid developing varicose veins.