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Varicose veins:9 main causes to know

What are varicose veins?

The main cause of varicose veins is a blood circulation problem. The valves located in the veins prevent blood reflux due to weightlessness. They are essential for pumping blood back to the heart. The alteration of the valves affects the good blood circulation. The blood thus begins to stagnate causing the veins to swell, creating varicose veins. Women are the most affected by varicose veins because of hormones (estrogen and progesterone). In men, the vein walls are more toned than in women. Varicose veins can appear on various areas of the body. However, 95% of varicose veins are located in the legs.

What causes varicose veins?

Many causes and factors promote the appearance of varicose veins:

  • Heredity:the descendants of a person with varicose veins have a high risk of suffering from varicose veins.
  • Gender:women are the most affected by varicose veins.
  • Overweight:in overweight people, the veins are constantly overloaded, weakening them prematurely.
  • Sedentary lifestyle:blood circulation is favored by the practice of physical activity. On the other hand, a sedentary lifestyle slows it down and promotes the appearance of varicose veins.
  • Pregnancy:the weight of the baby, the increase in blood volume, weight gain... All of this promotes blood stagnation in the veins.
  • Constipation:In case of constipation, there is an increase in pressure in the venous system of the legs which can lead to the formation of varicose veins.
  • Heat:Heat dilates veins and slows blood circulation. People with circulation problems should avoid hot baths, the sauna or even the hammam.

What are the treatments?

In short, varicose veins appear because of venous insufficiency. Only surgical treatments can remove the lesions left by varicose veins. Wearing compression stockings daily prevents the appearance of new varicose veins. Compression stockings are recommended for patients with varicosities. The appearance of varicose veins can also be prevented by avoiding certain situations:

  • Standing or sitting too long;
  • Overweight
  • Heat
  • Etc