Varicose Veins

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Risk Factors and Causes

Risk factors for varicose veins include the following:

Age
Gender (more common in women)
Heredity (genetics)
Hormonal factors (e.g., pregnancy, menopause)
Obesity
Trauma to the lower extremities


Age is a risk factor, for both women and men. During aging, the elasticity or tone of the veins decreases, increasing the risk for dilation. Once dilation occurs, the leaflets of the valve within the vein are pulled apart by the expanding vessel walls and can no lo...Read the full article