Over 35 percent of Americans are affected by varicose veins, meaning you are not alone if you endure the condition. You can manage varicose veins in Tallahassee through several minimally invasive treatment options like sclerotherapy, vein closure, and ambulatory phlebectomy. But it can be better to avoid the condition from reoccurring, especially after understanding possible reasons why it occurs. Most of the risk factors associated with varicose veins can be avoided, and those unavoidable, like aging, may help you take better precautionary measures. Here are some common risk factors for varicose veins you should know.
Age
This is one of the most common varicose vein risk factors and one with no solution. Aging is a natural process that cannot be stopped and has several side effects. The connective tissues to your veins weaken with age. Your body’s ability to produce elastin and collagen responsible for the connective tissues decreases, causing poor structural development. This makes your blood vessels unable to accommodate normal blood flow fluctuations due to stiffness. Also, aging causes you to become more sedentary, which has risks. However, the secret to minimizing age-related varicose veins risks is remaining physically active.
Overweight and Obesity
Carrying more weight is commonly linked to diabetes, heart disease, and high blood pressure. It also increases your risks for varicose veins and can worsen your symptoms than with a healthy weight. The extra weight and pressure on your legs affect circulation causing varicose veins. Obesity can also cause chronic low-grade inflammation responsible for flaming varicose veins due to blood vessel linings changes.
Genetics
You are at a higher risk of developing varicose veins if your parents or other close relatives have the condition. Research has found many genes and genetic variants associated with varicose veins. Most of the strongest genetic links involve blood pressure regulation and your vascular system development. Some genetic variants can make your blood more prone to clotting or make you vulnerable to impaired blood flow. Note that your chance of developing varicose veins lies at 90% if both your parents were affected by the condition.
Pregnancy
Women are at a higher risk of getting varicose veins than men. Pregnancy is one of the reasons for that since it greatly contributes to the increased chances of varicose veins, and over 40% of pregnant women develop the condition. The risks increase with the number of pregnancies you have, and your chances of getting varicose veins increase by about 20-30% after your second pregnancy. Some factors can be uniquely attributed to pregnancy, including hormones released during pregnancy, estrogen and progesterone receptors, increased blood volume, and increased weight as the baby grows.
Sedentary Lifestyle
This is a major varicose vein risk factor, and the good news is that it can be reversed. The health of your veins is directly or indirectly affected when you choose a sedentary lifestyle. But exercises are healthy for your veins and overall health, decreasing your chances of developing varicose veins. Through exercises, you will keep your blood flowing to your lungs, heart, muscles, and veins. When minimizing your varicose veins risks, do exercises involving your legs. Additionally, regular exercises help you maintain a healthy weight, reducing your risks for varicose veins.
It is crucial to understand all these risk factors to reduce your exposure and take the right steps to minimize them. Prevention surpasses cure, and avoiding these risks will help you know how to live without varicose veins. Reach out to Tallahassee Vein & Face Clinic for help.
