Varicose veins are caused by increased blood pressure in the veins, which can result from weakened or damaged valves
. These valves usually keep blood flowing toward the heart, but when they fail, blood can pool in the veins, causing them to enlarge, swell, and twist
. Factors that can increase the risk of developing varicose veins:
- Age Aging can cause wear and tear on the valves, causing some blood to flow back into the veins where it collects
. As you get older, veins can lose elasticity, and valves inside them may not work as well
- Sex Women are more likely to develop the condition because female hormones can relax vein walls, making the valves more prone to leaking. Changes in hormones due to pregnancy, premenstrual syndrome, or menopause can increase the risk
- Genetics A family history of varicose veins can increase your likelihood of developing them
- Obesity Being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins, causing them to work harder to send blood back to the heart and increasing the risk of leaking valves
- Pregnancy During pregnancy, blood volume increases to support the developing baby, which can put extra strain on the veins. Increased hormone levels can also cause blood vessel walls to relax
- Prolonged standing or sitting When you stand or sit for extended periods, blood doesn't flow as easily, which can increase the risk of blood pooling and pressure on the veins
- Other health conditions In rare cases, varicose veins can be caused by conditions such as a previous blood clot, swelling or tumors in the pelvis, abnormal blood vessels, or a history of leg injury
