Varicose Veins |
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Varicose
veins are unsightly, enlarged, and protuberating
veins that are commonly located on the
backs of the calves or on the inside
of the legs. The term "varicose"
originates from the Latin word "varix,"
which means "twisted." This
condition may appear anywhere on the
body but the veins in the legs and in
the feet are mostly affected. Varicose
veins are relatively common and nearly
15 percent of men and 25 percent of
women in the United States are affected
by this condition. In some cases varicose
veins are more than a cosmetic problem
because they can also cause severe pain
and discomfort. This condition may also
indicate that the patient is suffering
from a disorder of the circulatory system.
Causes and Risk Factors
Arteries
carry oxygenated blood from the heart
to all of the other organs of the body
and deoxygenated blood is carried back
to the heart by the veins. Some veins,
like those in the legs, must work against
gravity to carry the blood to the heart.
The basic cause of varicose veins is
still unknown, but it is believed to
be related to the excess pressure that
pushes on the walls of veins. The loss
in the elasticity of these walls can
cause them to weaken and affect the
circulation pattern. The problem is
further compounded by faulty valves
(which regulate the circulation) in
the veins. As mentioned earlier, veins
in the legs and feet are affected the
most by this condition. Hemorrhoids
are varicose veins that are located
in and around the anus but they must
be treated differently than other varicose
veins because of their location.
Some of the factors that increase the
risk of developing varicose veins are:
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Age:
As age increases, the vein walls
lose their elasticity and the valves
become weaker. Individuals who are
over 50 years old are more susceptible
to this condition. |
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Gender:
Women are more likely than men to
have varicose veins and this is
mainly because of hormonal fluctuations.
Pregnancy, menstruation, and menopause
can cause varicose veins. In fact,
several women develop varicose veins
during pregnancy. Pregnancy increases
the volume of blood in the body
but simultaneously decreases the
flow of blood from the legs to the
pelvis. This system ensures that
the growing fetus receives all of
the necessary nutrients. However,
an unfortunate side effect of this
system is the formation of enlarged
veins in the legs during pregnancy. |
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Genetics:
It is believed that varicose veins
may also be hereditary. If anyone
in your immediate family has experienced
varicose veins, then the chance
of you suffering from this condition
increases greatly. |
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Obesity:
Overweight individuals have a greater
risk of developing enlarged veins
because the excess body weight inflicts
excessive pressure on the veins
of their legs.
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Posture:
If your profession involves standing
or remaining in the same position
for long hours, you may be susceptible
to developing varicose veins. This
contributes to the development of
varicose veins because remaining
in a fixed position for a long duration
may disrupt blood circulation and
recirculation. |
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