What are Varicose Veins?
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged veins in the legs that are often visible on the skin surface. The majority of the diseased veins, however, are located below the skin surface and only visible with help of an ultrasound. These diseased veins, whether seen by the naked eye or not, can also have faulty valves, or venous insufficiency. When not treated, complications and worsening disease can occur. Although many symptoms are associated with varicose veins, many patients go undiagnosed or untreated due to misconceptions by the public and even by the medical community.
An increase in the diameter of a vein results in the malfunction of valves inside the vein. When this occurs, the normal flow of blood back to the heart is disrupted. This results in symptoms that eventually progress and worsen.
Who gets Varicose Veins?
According to the American College of Phlebology, where much of the cutting edge research on vein disease originates, it is estimated that over 80 million Americans suffer from varicose veins and venous insufficiency. The most common causes are an inherited weakness of the vein wall (genetic), and circulating hormones that relax the smooth muscle of the vein wall. Females have high levels of this hormone, especially pre-menopausal. Pregnancies, obesity, hormone replacement therapy, the use of female oral contraceptives, as well as occupations that require a standing position are additional causes of varicose veins.
This common condition runs in families and the risk of developing problems increases with age. Women are about 10% more likely to be affected than the male population and they are more likely to seek treatment.
