These factors increase your risk of developing varicose veins:
•Age: Varicose veins usually appear between ages 30 and 70 and get progressively worse over time.
•Sex: Women are more likely than men are to develop varicose veins by about 3:1. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, or menopause may be a factor. Female hormones tend to relax vein walls. Taking hormone replacement therapy or birth control pills may increase your risk of varicose veins.
•Genetics: If other family members had varicose veins, there’s a greater chance that you will too.
•Obesity: There is a close relationship between being overweight and having venous insufficiency.
•Sitting or standing for long periods of time: Your blood doesn’t flow as well if you’re in the same position for long periods of time. |