Varicose Veins

Causes and Risk factors

Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and twisted. While varicose veins are primarily found in the leg, they can occur elsewhere.

Varicose veins are distinguishable from reticular veins (blue veins) and telangiectasias (spider veins) by the location and size of the veins.

Below you will find a list of the most common causes of Varicosis.  For more information please refer to our Resources page or refer to the suggested links at the bottom of this page. 

1) Heredity

The valve weakness that leads to varicose veins is sometimes hereditary with venous conditions.  This impacts mainly in women due to female hormones ensuring that that most women have extremely loose connective tissue that provides poorer protection against over distension of the veins.  Men are also prone to hereditary factors leading to venous conditions.

2) Age

The older we get, the more the walls of the veins become less elastic and more prone to venous disorders.

3) Lack of Excercise

Standing still or sitting down for long periods of time deactivates the muscular pumps resulting in a stagnation of blood in the legs and increasingly swollen veins.  Long journeys by car, train and plane can be a severe strain on veins.

Flexing your ankles periodically will pump the blood out of your legs (simulating walking). During periods of prolonged sitting or standing, flex your ankles 10 times and repeat this every 10 minutes.

4) High Heeled or plateau shoes

These restrict blood flow leading to venous conditions through prolonged wear over time.

5) Tightly fitting clothing

Similar result to point 4

 6) Alcohol consumption during flight

The low pressure, low oxygen environment within an airliner cabin affects the coagulation system relating in thrombosis.  Alcohol, Tea and Coffee act as diuretics, increasing the body's dehydration.   See point 10.

7) Obesity

Obesity is a risk factor for varicose veins and the vascular system in the legs due to increased pressure of excess fat.  Inherited weakness of the valves in the veins and female hormonal problems (and pregnancy) are other risk factors.  

8) Hot baths and excessive exposure to the sun

Avoid excessive heat on your legs, such as hot tubs and hot baths. Heat will tend to increase vein distention and lead to more pooling of blood.

9) Over indulgence in saunas and solariums

Similar result to point 8.  If you do enjoy saunas, ensure that you flex you ankles regularly to minimise blood pooling.

10) Dehydration

Dehydration causes blood vessels to narrow and blood to thicken, increasing the risk for DVT. Reducing alcohol and coffee consumption, which both contribute to dehydration, is also recommended.

If you found this page of interest, you may wish to view the following pages.  Venous Conditions, Venous Self Help, Varicose Vein Article.