Risk Factors
Uncontrollable risk factors
Age: the incidence of varicose veins increase with age.
Genetics: People with a family history of venous disease are at greatest risk of developing varicose veins.
Gender: Women are affected twice as often as men. Increased levels of estrogen may lead to dilation of veins. In addition, pregnancy may cause varicose veins due to abdominal compression of the veins that empty blood from the legs.
Controllable risk factors
Prolonged standing or sitting: This increases the pressure within the veins of the legs and creates a greater force which the veins must overcome to return blood to the heart.
Obesity: excess weight can lead to a greater than normal pressure within the abdomen. This makes it more difficult for blood to leave the lower body and return to the heart and lungs.
