Varicose veins risk factors: age, pregnancy, weight and long standing

What varicose veins are

Varicose veins, or varicosities, are swollen, twisted veins that lie just under the skin. They usually occur in the legs (NHLBI). Sometimes they form in other parts of the body: hemorrhoids, for example, are a type of varicose vein that develops in the rectum. Spider veins (telangiectasias) are another type of vein problem that affects smaller blood vessels (NHLBI).

Varicose veins are very common (MedlinePlus).

Who is more likely to get varicose veins

MedlinePlus says you are more at risk if you (MedlinePlus):

• are older
• are female
• have obesity
• don't exercise
• have a family history of varicose veins

Varicose veins can also be more common in pregnancy (MedlinePlus).

The NHLBI explains that varicose veins may form whenever blood pressure increases inside your veins. This can happen because of age, pregnancy, overweight and obesity, repeated sitting or standing for long periods, or an inactive lifestyle. Your risk may be higher if you have a family history of varicose veins (NHLBI). Damage to your veins from smoking can also make you more likely to develop varicose veins (NHLBI).

What causes varicose veins

Varicose veins are caused by weak or damaged vein walls and valves (NHLBI). Veins have one-way valves inside them that open and close to keep blood flowing toward the heart. Weak or damaged valves or walls can cause blood to pool and even flow backward, which is called reflux. The veins may grow larger and become distorted, resulting in varicose veins (NHLBI).

Symptoms

Symptoms of varicose veins include (NHLBI):

• bulging, bluish veins
• itching or burning discomfort around the veins
• skin color changes around the veins
• swelling in the legs
• aching pain in the legs
• a feeling of heaviness in the legs and feet
• nighttime leg cramps

Symptoms may get worse when you sit or are on your feet for long periods, and may get better when you lie down or put your feet up (NHLBI).

When to see a doctor

Talk to a healthcare provider if you think you may have varicose veins. Getting treatment early can stop varicose veins from getting worse and help you avoid complications, such as bleeding and ulcers (open sores that don't heal well and can get infected) (NHLBI).

Call your provider right away if your varicose veins suddenly get worse or you notice bleeding or a sore (NHLBI).

To diagnose varicose veins, your provider will do a physical exam and ask about your symptoms, family history, activity levels and lifestyle, and may do an imaging test such as a duplex ultrasound (NHLBI).

Lowering your chances of them getting worse

The NHLBI lists lifestyle changes that can relieve symptoms or keep varicose veins from getting worse (NHLBI):

• aim for a healthy weight
• stay physically active (ask your provider which level of activity is right for you, since strenuous exercise with heavy lifting might make varicose veins worse)
• avoid standing or sitting for long periods, and elevate your feet when sitting
• avoid high heels or shoes that limit your ankle movement
• quit smoking

MedlinePlus adds not crossing your legs when sitting and wearing loose clothing (MedlinePlus). Some of these lifestyle changes may also lower your chance of having deep vein thrombosis (NHLBI); see our guide to blood clot risk factors.

If varicose veins are painful or you don't like the way they look, your doctor may recommend procedures to remove them (MedlinePlus). New varicose veins may form even after treatment (NHLBI).

Common questions

Are varicose veins more common in women?

MedlinePlus lists being female as a factor that raises your risk (MedlinePlus).

Can pregnancy cause varicose veins?

Pregnancy is one of the reasons the NHLBI gives for higher blood pressure inside the veins, which can lead to varicose veins (NHLBI). If you are pregnant, your provider may recommend compression therapy and pain medicine to relieve symptoms (NHLBI).

Does standing all day cause varicose veins?

The NHLBI lists repeated sitting or standing for long periods among the things that can raise blood pressure inside your veins (NHLBI).