Vein Options

A Number of Different Causes of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are those unsightly, distended veins that are most often found in a person’s legs. This condition can often be quite painful, and one needs to know what the cause of varicose veins really is, before it can be treated. The primary organ that pumps blood to all parts of the body is the heart, which requires blood vessels to transport the blood to various parts of the body as well as back to heart.

Arteries transport blood from the heart to all parts of the body, but it is the veins that carry “used” blood back to the heart so that it may be re-oxygenated. Like the heart, these vessels work continuously throughout the lifetime of a person, and any problem in the function of the vessels can lead to some types of diseases or conditions, such as varicose veins.

Obesity, Hormonal Abnormalities, Pregnancy and More

There are many factors that can be considered a cause of varicose veins, and these include obesity, hormonal abnormalities, extended periods of standing or sitting, pregnancy, and genetics. It is necessary to ascertain the exact cause of varicose veins before a suitable treatment can be recommended for them.

Obesity is one of the causes of varicose veins, which occur because of the strain that is placed on the legs. One should maintain average body weight to lessen the chance of getting varicose veins. Using table salt has been known to increase water retention in the body which increases the volume of blood, and subsequently body weight. It is thus prudent to reduce intake of salt to avoid the weight increase that can cause complications. Regular exercise like walking is also a good idea, because it will help keep the muscles toned as well as improve blood circulation.

Deep vein thrombosis is another cause of varicose veins, which leads to the veins turning dark purple or blue in color as well as having the appearance of twisting and bulging. Varicose veins also occur when the valves in the veins malfunction as a result of aging or the veins losing elasticity. The end result is that blood pools in the veins and they enlarge and become varicose.

A cause of varicose veins that is quite hard to imagine is overexposure to the sun. Too much sun may actually result in varicose veins on the face. Heredity can also be a cause of varicose veins, since women with a family history of varicose veins are at greater risk of getting varicose veins than others. By limiting exposure to the harmful effects of the sun, keeping body weight down to manageable levels, and maintaining a healthy diet and regular exercise program, one may be able to keep the causes of varicose veins at bay.