An estimated 30 million American adults have varicose veins. While heredity is one risk factor, certain lifestyle factors can play a role in the development of vein disease with age.
Whether you’re looking to manage existing symptoms or reduce your risk for varicose veins, learn more about influential lifestyle factors.
What Are Varicose Veins?
Varicose veins have a prominent appearance, often described as “twisted” or “gnarled”. While they can occur anywhere on the body, they are more likely to emerge on the lower extremities due to increased pressure on the legs and feet.
Varicose veins are a medical condition that can worsen without proper treatment. Their presence indicates that blood is pooling in the veins rather than flowing back up to the heart.
Arteries help transport blood from your heart throughout the body and the veins help it return to the heart. The vein valves are meant to prevent backflow, yet can become damaged and weak, causing blood to build up in your veins. This added pressure results in an enlarged appearance right below the skin’s surface.
Varicose veins are often accompanied by pain and swelling, an itching or burning sensation, leg heaviness and fatigue. If left untreated, the risk for skin ulcers and blood clots increases. Factors that can influence your risk for varicose veins include:
- Genetics: You are more likely to develop this condition if your family members have been affected, especially both parents.
- Age: Varicose veins can affect younger people but tend to appear after age 50.
- Vein Issues: Individuals with blood clots or a family history of deep vein thrombosis have a higher risk of developing varicose veins.
Lifestyle Factors
Beyond health and genetics, multiple lifestyle factors increase your risks for varicose veins:
- Excess Weight: Those with a BMI of 30 or higher are three times more likely to develop this condition. Lack of physical activity further increases risk.
- Standing: Being on your feet for hours affects how the calf muscles move blood to the heart and places additional pressure on the legs.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy increases your chances of developing varicose veins.
- Constricting Garments: Tight clothing and shapewear restrict blood flow, increasing the chance it will pool in your veins.
- Smoking: Years of smoking can weaken the blood vessels in your body and affect how efficiently they pump blood to your heart.
To reduce your risks, consider making these lifestyle changes:
- Limit how often you wear high heels and constricting garments.
- If you’ll be sitting or standing for a while, take time to move and change positions.
- Exercise regularly; the American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week.
- Decrease your salt intake and drink plenty of water to keep the body hydrated.
- Manage your weight, ideally keeping your BMI out of the obese range.
If you’re struggling with varicose veins, explore treatment options at the Vein Centers of Connecticut. Contact us to request a consultation today.