Are Varicose Veins Hereditary?
Author: StrideCare Internal Team
Anyone who noticed that their grandmother, mom, or cousins have varicose veins has probably wondered if it’s just a wild coincidence, or if they’re next. Perhaps they’ve even gone online and searched “are varicose veins hereditary?”
The short answer is yes, but it’s just one factor that plays into the risk of following in your family’s footsteps.
The first thing to realize is that anyone can develop varicose veins. According to the Society for Vascular Surgery, it is a common condition that affects roughly 25 million men and women in the United States. For many people, these twisted, bulging veins can be seen and felt under the skin and are more of a cosmetic concern. For others, varicose veins affect their quality of life and, if left untreated, can lead to more serious complications.
Do You Have Any of These Symptoms?
- Tiredness
- Swelling
- Achiness
- Heaviness
- Pain
- Numbness
- Throbbing
- Itching
- Cramping
- Restless legs
Varicose Veins Tend to Run in the Family
Hereditary factors are a primary cause of any vein disease, so if mom, dad, and grandma all have varicose veins, you are predisposed. In fact, statistics show that roughly half of all varicose vein patients have a family history of varicose veins.
However, it’s also important to realize that lifestyle plays a major role—perhaps even more so than genetics—in how the disease progresses and manifests itself. For example, if you have a job where you are on your feet the majority of the time (i.e., teacher, restaurant worker, flight attendant) or forced to sit for long periods (i.e., accountant, writer, call center employee) this will increase the chances of developing varicose veins and lower extremity venous disease.
Common factors other than family history that contribute to varicose veins include:
- Age – As we get older, our veins don’t work as well. Varicose veins commonly develop between the ages of 30 and 70.
- Pregnancy – Multiple pregnancies and hormonal changes increase blood volume and stress on vein walls and valves.
- Overweight – Obesity increases pressure on your veins and can also hinder venous return from the legs.
- Sedentary lifestyle – Being a couch potato and not exercising enough inhibits blood circulation, causing varicose veins.
- Trauma/injury – Certain injuries, surgeries, or severe trauma to your legs could permanently damage your veins.
Ways You Can Reduce Your Risk of Varicose Veins
Are varicose veins hereditary? To summarize, yes … but it’s not the only factor in play and doesn’t mean you have to go down that same path as your family. A few ways you can reduce or prevent these risks and others include:
- Get more exercise
- Choose healthier eating habits
- Quit smoking
- Avoid standing or sitting for too long
- Avoid high heels and tight clothing
Schedule an Appointment with StrideCare
StrideCare has long been a leader in performing leading-edge procedures to treat venous disease such as varicose veins, spider veins, restless leg syndrome, pelvic congestion syndrome, iliac vein stenosis and more—all the while providing compassionate patient care. The vascular physicians at StrideCare are board certified diagnostic radiologists with additional fellowship training in vascular and interventional radiology.
If your veins need treatment, or you have questions on how to avoid the onset of varicose veins, the experts at StrideCare will recommend an individualized plan to help you get the best results.
Prior to starting any new treatment or questions regarding a medical condition, always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider. This information is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
StrideCare serves the South Texas area including Houston, San Antonio, Austin, Round Rock, Bastrop, Brushy Creek, Cedar Park, Converse, Georgetown, Hutto, Kyle, Leander, Marble Falls, New Braunfels, Pasadena, Pearland, Pflugerville, San Marcos, Schertz, Houston, Sugar Land, Katy, Webster, Bay City, Clear Lake, Lake Jackson, The Woodlands, Universal City, Spring, Kingwood, Stafford, Conroe, Texas City, Cypress, League City, Bellaire, and more.
