When it comes to matters of health, family history can often predict future medical issues, and varicose veins are no exception. If your mother has dark, purple, bulging veins, chances are that you will develop them, too. Heredity is the primary risk factor for developing vein disease and varicosities, and is thought to be responsible for as much as 80% of varicose veins. In fact, the chances of developing vein disease doubles if both parents have the condition.
Additional risk factors for varicose veins/vein disease include:
· Increasing age
· Hormonal changes
· Pregnancy
· Gender
· Prolonged periods of sitting/standing
While you can’t control your genetic makeup, you can pay close attention to your symptoms and personal risk factors in order to manage the progression of your own vein disease.
Varicose veins are often thought of as a cosmetic issue, but they actually result from a chronic, progressive disease process that can lead to serious health conditions, including venous leg ulcers, bleeding, infections, skin changes and even blood clots, if not treated early and properly. While there is no “cure” available, effective treatment can help control the vein disorder and halt its progression.
Since varicose veins may not always be visible to the naked eye, I recommend high-risk patients to be on the lookout for any of the following leg issues:
· Leg pain or achiness
· Heaviness, fatigue or swelling at end of day
· Cramping or leg restlessness
· Clusters of small red, blue or purplish spider veins, especially around the calves
· Brownish skin discoloration of the calves and/or ankles
If you notice any of these symptoms and are high-risk for vein disease due to your heredity background, please call The Kimmel Institute in Boca Raton to schedule your free vein screening. 561-477-0210.
Dr. Richard Kimmel
