Who Is At Risk for Varicose Veins?
Populations Affected
About 25 million Americans are affected by varicose
veins. They are most common in people aged 30 to 70.
Risk Factors
Risk factors for developing varicose veins
include:
- Genetics. Having a family member with varicose
veins may increase the risk for developing them. Approximately half of the
people who get varicose veins have a family history of them.
- Age. The normal wear and tear of aging may cause
valves to weaken and not work as well.
- Gender. Women are two to three times more likely
to develop varicose veins than men. Up to half of American women have varicose
veins. Changes in hormones due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or taking
birth control pills may increase a woman's risk of developing varicose
veins.
- Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the growth of the
fetus increases the pressure on the veins in the legs. Varicose veins that
occur during pregnancy usually improve within 3 to 12 months following
delivery.
- Overweight and obesity. Having extra weight on
the body can put additional pressure on the veins.
- Prolonged standing or sitting, particularly with
legs bent or crossed. When standing or sitting with legs bent or crossed, the
veins have to work harder to pump the blood up to the heart.
|