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VEIN DISEASE INFORMATION
Development of Vein Disease
Vein disease, which includes spider veins and the larger varicose veins, is influenced by many factors including heredity, pregnancy, hormonal changes, excessive standing, weight gain and age. Vein disease is very common. varicose veins, one of the more severe forms of vein disease, affects 8% of females by ages 20-29 and 72% of females by the time they reach the 60-69 year-old age group. In addition, 43% of males in the 60-69 year-old age group are also affected.
Vein Disease May Be More Common Than You Think
Approximately 60% of all Americans suffer from a vein disorder such as spider veins or varicose veins.
The cause of spider veins is uncertain, but factors that weaken vein valves include aging, obesity, leg injury, and prolonged standing. Spider veins on the face of a fair-skinned person can occur from exposure to the sun are unattractive and can be painlessly treated.
Varicose veins often cause discomfort and look unattractive. Varicose veins, left untreated, usually enlarge and worsen over time. They can cause the legs and feet to swell. Leg muscles may feel fatigued or throb and cramp at night. The skin at or around the spider veins or varicose veins can itch or burn, and can lead to more serious problems.
Factors That May Cause Vericose and Spider Veins:
Obesity. Being overweight puts added pressure on your veins.
Heredity. There is a significant relationship between heredity and the development of varicose veins and spider veins.
Age. The development of varicose veins and spider veins may occur at any age but usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years, and peaks between 50 and 60 years.
Gender. Woman are more likely than men are to develop the condition. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, or menopause may be a factor. Female hormones tend to relax vein walls.
Pregnancy. Pregnancy is a common factor contributing to the formation of varicose and spider veins. The most important factor is circulating hormones that weaken vein walls. There is also a significant increase in the blood volume during pregnancy. This tends to distend veins, causing valve dysfunction which leads to blood pooling in the veins. Additionally, later in pregnancy, the enlarged uterus can compress veins, causing higher vein pressure leading to dilated veins. Varicose veins that form during pregnancy may spontaneously improve or even disappear a few months after delivery.
Lifestyle/Occupation. People who are involved with prolonged sitting or standing in their daily activities have an increased risk of developing varicose veins. Thus, the weight of the blood continuously pressing against the closed valves causes them to fail, leading to distention in the veins.
If you're pregnant: Varicose veins often develop or worsen during pregnancy. In most cases, they are not treated during pregnancy. Keep in mind that:
- Self-care can relieve symptoms during pregnancy.
- Abnormal veins may improve after pregnancy.
- Your veins can then be reevaluated to see if treatment is needed.
- You need not delay treatment until you're finished with childbearing. In fact, getting treated between pregnancies can reduce vein problems during future pregnancies.