The Cause of Varicose Veins
The main
cause of varicose veins is improper blood flow.
Healthy leg veins carry blood from the legs back to the heart. Because of
gravity, veins consist of a series of valves that are designed to prevent
the blood from flowing backwards. When these vein valves are not working
properly (a condition called
venous insufficiency) blood can
pool in the leg veins where the pressure from gravity is greatest. This
blood pool is most often the cause of varicose veins.
Other causes of varicose veins include:
- Heredity
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Menopause
- Aging
- Prolonged standing
- Leg injury
- Abdominal straining
Varicose Veins Symptoms
Varicose veins symptoms are the result of blood pooling in the leg veins. The veins become visible through the skin, and in some cases, bulge. Although men and women of all ages can develop varicose veins symptoms, is a common cause of varicose veins because it creates additional pressure on a woman's legs.
If you're experiencing painful varicose veins symptoms, talk to your doctor or health care provider about .
