- Heredity - Varicose
veins tend to run in families. A defect in vein walls
or valves, is the greatest contributing factor in
70% of cases.
- Gender - Women are
much more likely to get varicose veins than men.
- Age - Presence of
varicose veins is a progressive condition that worsens
in frequency and severity with age.
- Obesity - Excess
weight increases the pressure on vein valves and can
lead to their weakening.
- Hormones - Changes
in hormone levels brought on by puberty, pregnancy,
menopause, hormone replacement therapy and the birth
control pill can cause varicose veins to develop.
- Pregnancy - An increased
progesterone level, increased volume of blood in the
body and increased pressure on the pelvic veins are
all contributors. Veins usually improve within 3 months
after delivery and may disappear completely. However,
more abnormal veins are likely to develop and persist
after subsequent pregnancies.
- Occupation - People
whose jobs require them to stand or sit for prolonged
periods of time have an increased risk of developing
varicose veins. While standing still or sitting, there
is an increase of blood pressure on the closed vein
valves that contributes to their weakening.
Occasionally,
varicose veins may appear as a symptom of a more serious
medical condition such as:
•
Blood clots or blockage in the deep veins or perforator
veins
•
Injury to the deep veins
•
Arteriovenous fistulas, an abnormal passageway between
arteries and veins.
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