Vein Disease Risk Factors | Louisiana & Mississippi

What are the Risk Factors Associated with Vein Disease?

There are a number of risk factors which can lead to the development of vein disease. While not all of these are controllable, some can be directly influenced by the patient. In many cases, vein disease is the result of a combination of the following:

Age – The risk of developing vein disease increases with age, as time, wear and tear begin to weaken valves. 50+ – Vein walls weaken as we age, preventing them from pumping blood back to the heart effectively.
Sex – Women are more likely than men to develop vein disease. This is due in large part to female hormones which can cause vein walls to relax.
Pregnancy – In addition to hormonal changes, pregnancy also produces increased blood volume, which can enlarge veins. Those who have had multiple births are also more at risk.
Obesity – Carrying excess weight can increase pressure with the legs and damages veins. If the veins have to work harder to pump blood throughout the body, blood is more likely to pool in the legs.
Lifestyle – The more we move, the more efficient the body becomes and transporting blood. Living a largely sedentary lifestyle does just the opposite and makes it more difficult for veins to do their job properly.
Standing Jobs – Standing for long periods of time can play a major role in vein disease risk as well, as it increases the chance of vein leakage. Those who spend most of the day on their feet, or whose jobs require them to stand all day—such as teachers, cooks, baristas, cleaners, factory line workers, or retail workers—tend to be more at risk for this reason.
Sedentary Jobs – On the flip side, those who sit for long periods of time are also at risk, due to the lack of blood flow. If your job requires that you sit for most of the day, try to stand at least once per hour to help keep blood moving effectively throughout the legs.
Smoking – Just as smoking greatly increases your risk for cardiovascular disease, it also increases your chances for vein disease as it has a significant impact on your cardiovascular system.
Blood Clots – Blood clots throughout the body put you at a higher risk for developing blood clots in the legs.
High Blood Pressure – High blood pressure in the veins puts stress on the walls of the veins and weakens them.

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The Leg & Vein Center at Cardiovascular Institute of the South diagnoses and treats cardiovascular conditions in the legs, such as peripheral artery disease and vein disease. Our cardiologists are among the most-renowned venous disease specialists in the nation.

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