Varicose Veins

• Heredity is the most important factor

 

• The Female Gender is more susceptible since the female hormones affect the structure of the vein walls

 

• Pregnancy is an important factor.  During pregnancy, there is an increase in hormone level and blood volume causing vein enlargement.  Also the enlarged uterus presses on the veins thus increasing the pressure inside them.  Varicose veins due to pregnancy often improve within 3 months after delivery but with repeated pregnancies, abnormal veins are more likely to persist

 

• Gravity is an obvious factor as seen with jobs entailing prolonged standing

 

• Age is another factor as veins lose elasticity resulting in weaker vein walls and valves

 

• Trauma can damage blood vessels and valves

 

• Increased intra-abdominal pressure as in heavy lifting

 

• Obesity