What are the factors that cause varicose veins?

Age: Although the risk of varicose veins increases with age, it is also seen in young people. According to one study, about 25% of people with varicose veins are under 50 years old. The tissue wear and slowing of the rate of regeneration caused by aging also affects the valves in our veins. The covers in question weaken and deteriorate. 42% of men aged 60 have varicose veins.

Sex: Varicose veins are more common in women. Puberty, pregnancy and menopause (or taking birth control pills) increase the risk of varicose veins in women. According to a recent study, two thirds of people with varicose veins are women, while one third are men.

genetic: While the chance of the disease occurring at any age is 20% in a person whose parents do not have varicose veins; 25-62% if someone has it (60% for girls, 25% for boys); If both parents have it, the rate reaches 90%.

Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the female body undergoes many physical and hormonal changes. As the baby grows in the womb, the uterus begins to put pressure on the surrounding veins. Veins become loose or weakened due to hormonal changes. Together, these factors hinder healthy venous valves in the legs. Instead of going to the heart, the blood begins to flow back to the feet; It accumulates in different places and leads to the formation of capillaries in some places and thick and curved veins like spaghetti pasta in some places. Studies have shown that the number of pregnancies and the number of varicose veins on the legs increase in proportion. While the frequency of varicose veins in women who have never been pregnant is generally 32%; 38% of those who had 1 pregnancy; 43% of those who had 2 pregnancies; 48% at 3 times; It is 59% in 4 or more pregnant women.

kilograms: By the way, excess weight puts additional pressure on the entire body, the circulatory system and veins. The increased pressure will dilate the veins and lead to disruption of the valves in them. Since most people with overweight problems do not exercise regularly, this leads to venous insufficiency and general circulatory problems. If your body mass index (calculated by dividing body weight by the square of height) is greater than 25, you are more likely to develop thick or thin varicose veins on your legs.

Sedentary Life: Occupations that require sitting or standing still for long periods of time slow down/stop the work of the calf muscle. As a result, the pumping of dirty blood from the legs to the heart slows down and venous insufficiency can develop. Varicose veins are seen at a rate of 36% in those who stand constantly and 27% in those who work constantly.

hormones: All kinds of hormonal disorders or long-term use of medicines containing hormones can lead to varicose veins.