More than 80 million Americans suffer from vein disease. Although risk can increase with age, young adult men and women can also develop varicose veins due to several common risk factors.
What Is Varicose Vein Disease?
Leg veins carry blood to the heart through vein valves, which keep the blood flowing in one direction. When the valves weaken, blood can pool in the legs, putting pressure on the veins. This additional stress can dilate the veins and make them bulge below the skin’s surface. The resulting gnarled appearance and leg discomfort are common symptoms of varicose vein disease.
Common Causes In Young People
It’s a widespread misconception that varicose veins only affect older adults. There are several ways a young adult can develop this medical disease. Beyond family history, what can put you at risk for varicose veins?
Obesity
More than one in three adults are considered obese. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 39.8 percent of adults over age 20 have obesity. Many of the health conditions you can develop as a result of obesity have a connection to varicose veins, such as Type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease. Excess body weight puts more pressure on the veins. Unfortunately, an overweight individual who has regular body pain may not associate their symptoms with varicose vein disease, which can delay treatment.
Pregnancy
Varicose veins are common in pregnancy due to increased abdominal pressure, which can cause sluggish blood flow out of the legs.
Sitting or Standing
Did you know 86 percent of American workers are required to sit all day on the job? Sitting for long periods of time keep the muscles from contracting, which can affect circulation and blood flow. Standing for hours can also have a negative impact, putting downward pressure on the veins.
At the Vein Centers of Connecticut, we perform an ultrasound to assess your vein health. If you think you may be at risk for varicose vein disease, schedule a consultation today!