Vein disease is a progressive condition that affects millions of people worldwide. In fact, in the US alone, more than 6 million people are suffering from severe vein disease while more than 25 million adults have varicose veins.
Unfortunately, no matter how healthy you are overall, certain lifestyle choices and genetic factors can contribute to the development and progression of Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI) which can lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Scientifically it’s impossible, to completely rule out the chances of developing CVI due to factors like age, gender, and autoimmune disease that are beyond our control. Understanding the contributing factors to vein disease is crucial for prevention and management. We explore eight factors that can contribute to vein disease and offer strategies to combat them. So, let’s dive in and get started.
Being Female
Results across various studies suggest that in the general population, between 1% and 40% of women are likely to develop CVI compared to between 1% and 17% of men. Why?
Fluctuations in the hormones during puberty, pregnancy, menopause and even the use of birth control pills can increase the risk. It’s thought that Estrogen weakens vein walls, making them more susceptible to varicose veins.
Combat it: It’s important for women to monitor their vein health, particularly when their hormones are all over the place. Wearing compression stockings during pregnancy and avoiding long periods of standing can help reduce the risk.
Genetics
Yep, blame your mom or dad! According to the NIH, there is a 90% chance of their children developing varicose veins if both parents suffered from them; 25% for males and 62% for females when one parent was affected, and 20% chance when neither parent was affected.
Combat it: Although you can’t change your genetics, you can be proactive about your vein health. Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising regularly and avoiding tight clothing help to manage the risk.
Obesity
The clinical severity of vein disease is often worse in obese patients. Excess weight places additional pressure on the veins, particularly the lower legs, which can cause the veins to enlarge and affect their ability to return blood to the heart, leading to varicose veins and other forms of vein disease.
Combat it: Weight management through regular exercise and a balanced diet is crucial. Even a modest weight loss significantly reduces pressure on the legs and lessens the risk of developing vein disease.
Prolonged sitting or standing
Many jobs involve long periods of sitting or standing which can contribute to vein disease. Prolonged sessions of inactivity can cause blood to pool in the legs, increasing the risk of varicose veins and deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Combat it: Take breaks whenever possible to walk around; or when you’re sitting, practice simple exercises such as rotating your ankles or raising your calves to improve your circulation. We also recommend wearing over-the-knee compression stockings beneath your pants which help blood flow more smoothly back towards your heart.
Smoking
Smoking damages blood vessels causing them to thicken and become narrower. This, in turn, makes your heart beat faster and causes a rise in blood pressure. Blood clots can also form. Twisted, bulging veins or leaky vein valves that control the one-way flow of blood, can also be caused by vein constriction.
Combat: Quitting smoking or limiting tobacco use is one of the best things you can do for your vein health which will reduce vein constriction and help blood flow more freely. We understand that quitting smoking is harder than it sounds but you could consider nicotine replacement therapy, counseling and support groups to help.
Frequent alcohol consumption
While there’s nothing wrong with drinking alcohol in moderation, if you drink daily or frequently consume copious amounts of alcohol, your veins can suffer. You see, alcohol acts like a vasodilator, abnormally expanding the veins enabling more blood to flow and this can be overbearing for veins. As a result, valves in the valves are more prone to malfunction and blood may pool in the legs.
Combat: If it’s the social aspect of regular drinking that you most enjoy why not consider switching to zero-alcohol versions of your favourite drinks like beer or gin; Or, if you want something more fancy, mocktails look inviting and can be extremely enjoyable.
Stress
In this fast-paced noisy world that we live in, it can be difficult to relax and remain calm when everything around you seems chaotic. It’s little wonder that about 34% of people admit to feeling that stress overwhelms them on most days. However, it’s vital that you try and reduce your stress levels. According to the American Psychological Association, stress affects all parts of the body from the brain to the veins and can cause the veins to constrict.
Combat: Try to reduce your stress levels by reducing the number of nights you work late in the office, practicing some breathing exercises, going for a walk with your dog, or taking up yoga.
Lack of exercise
A sedentary lifestyle is a significant risk factor for vein disease. Regular physical activity helps improve blood circulation while strengthening the muscles supporting the veins. Without exercise, flood flow is slower and can lead to pooling and increased pressure on the veins.
Combat: Try to exercise for at least 30 minutes most days to significantly lower your risk of vein disease. Do something you enjoy whether it be walking, cycling or swimming, and then it won’t seem like a chore.
While genetic predispositions to vein disease can't be changed, making healthy lifestyle choices can help delay and reduce the severity of symptoms. Staying hydrated, engaging in light exercise, eating iron-rich foods, and elevating your feet during long periods of sitting can all promote better blood flow and support vein health
If you’re suffering from the symptoms of vein disease including:
The best course of action is to seek vein treatment. Vein disease won’t suddenly go away. Instead, it’s progressive and without treatment, will get worse over time, leading to more serious complications such as wounds on the legs and venous ulcers. Fortunately, vein disease is treatable and here at MINT, we offer numerous minimally invasive treatments for spider veins and varicose veins. Schedule an appointment with our Board-Certified Vascular and Interventional Radiologists.
