Knowing the Risk Factors associated with Varicose veins will help you plan for prevention!

When your veins valves aren’t functioning properly, blood will pool in those areas and cause the veins to appear swollen, twisted, or bulging. There are a myriad of reasons people develop varicose veins, but the most common risk factors include:

Genetics – If relatives have a history of varicose veins, you are more likely to inherit them.

Smoking cigarettes increases your risk of varicose veins.

Age – Varicose Veins typically develop after the age of 30 (or pregnancy, in women), the likelyhood of developing varicose veins increases as we age.

Pregnancy – The Society of Vascular Surgeons estimates that 50 – 55% of American women develop varicose veins during pregnancy (in some cases, they form in the pelvic region, causing Pelvic Congestive Syndrome). Most of the time, this type of Varicose Vein will resolve on its own, up to a year after childbirth.

Weight – People that are overweight are more likely to develop varicose veins. Know the healthy range for your BMI (Body Mass Index) and use it as a guideline for your ideal weight.

Standing or Sitting for lengthy periods of time – If you spend a lot of time sitting at a desk, consider taking a lap around the office every once in awhile to encourage healthy blood flow.