Who is at a greater risk of getting varicose veins?
Varicose veins can occur in anyone. Your risk of getting varicose veins is increased by a few things, such as:
- Age: As we age, vein walls and valves lose some of their original functionality. Veins harden and lose suppleness.
- Gender: Hormones in women may cause the vein walls to expand. Varicose veins are more common in those who are pregnant, taking birth control, or going through menopause due to hormonal changes.
- Family history: This illness is hereditary, meaning it runs in families.
- Overall health: certain health conditions, such as certain tumors, severe constipation [2], increases pressure in veins
- Lifestyle: Prolonged standing or sitting impairs circulation. Blood flow can be reduced by donning constricting apparel, such as tight-fitting trousers or girdles.
- Weight: excess weight puts pressure on blood vessels.
- Tobacco use: people who choose tobacco products are more likely to develop varicose veins.
Varicose veins are very common. It happens to ⅓ of all adults have varicose veins. They are more common in people assigned female at birth than in people assigned male at birth.