3 Main Causes of Varicose Veins

If you suffer from varicose veins, there are three primary causes you should know about. They are excess weight and sedentary lifestyle. Damaged valves are another potential cause. While it is possible to treat varicose veins naturally, some treatments may have side effects. However, if left untreated, they can lead to severe consequences.

This article will discuss all three primary causes and offer solutions including consulting a vascular surgeon in Woodland Hills, CA.

1. Sedentary Lifestyle

The sedentary lifestyle is a leading contributor to the development of disordered veins. Prolonged sitting, such as at a desk or on a train, stresses the vascular system, resulting in the formation of varicose veins. The benefits of regular exercise are many, and the physical activity helps maintain the health of veins and reduce their risk.

The sedentary lifestyle slows down venous blood flow, which is vital for healthy circulation and heart function. If unchecked, venous blood can back up in veins, causing the development of varicose veins. These symptoms can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition called PE. In addition to sedentary lifestyle, a sedentary lifestyle is a leading cause of varicose veins.

A sedentary lifestyle is one of the most common causes of varicose veins, and the effects range from subtle to severe. While many people assume that sitting at a desk all day long increases blood flow, this is not true. Inactivity contributes to a sedentary lifestyle and has several negative effects on the body, including the development of numbness and fatigue. Additionally, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle are at greater risk of developing a disease called deep vein thrombosis, which is an abnormality that occurs in a deep vein.

2. Damaged Valves

Varicose veins are caused by damage to the valves in the veins. Vein valves are tiny flaps that project from the innermost layer of the vein wall and are angled toward the heart. They function passively like swinging doors. Blood flowing past them pushes the flaps open, allowing the blood to pass through. As the body ages, the walls of the veins lose their elasticity and the valves become weaker, allowing the blood to leak backward.

The valves are made of a protein called collagen. Some people produce more flexible collagen while others produce more stiff collagen. The stiffer collagen is more prone to damage and wear. A surgeon must carefully resect the varicose vein and separate the branches to prevent the valve from leaking. This operation is known as a stab avulsion. Despite the difficulty of the procedure, it is the most effective treatment option for varicose veins.

3. Obesity

In addition to causing the condition, obesity can also contribute to the development of varicose veins. Overweight people may develop these conditions for a variety of reasons, including pregnancy, injury to the legs, and hormones. For some, varicose veins are just a cosmetic problem. However, there is a treatment for varicose veins.

Although it’s not clear what causes varicose veins, it’s worth noting that obesity is more common in obese patients than in normal, healthy women. Interestingly, obese patients are more likely to have varicose veins than healthy women. Obesity is also a contributing factor in the development of rectal varicose veins. Those who spend long periods of time standing are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins.

Lifestyle changes should be implemented to reduce the risk of developing varicose veins. Losing weight and becoming physically active is an excellent way to relieve the symptoms of varicose veins. Compression stockings can help, as can calf-strengthening exercises and elevating the legs when sitting. For people who do suffer from varicose veins, lifestyle changes like avoiding smoking are highly recommended after discussing with a health professional or vascular surgeon in Woodland Hills, CA.