Common Risk Factors for Vein Disease
Vein disease is an umbrella term for many different conditions and diseases that impact the health and function of your veins. Millions of Americans experience varicose veins, superficial thrombophlebitis, and deep vein thrombosis each year, and these are just a small example of diseases affecting your veins.
Here at Vein Institute, we are skilled at diagnosing and treating vein diseases, but we also want to shed light on the causes of vein disease too. Not all risk factors are preventable, but it’s important to know your personal risk factors so you can monitor for any red flags as soon as they appear.
Below, our team of experienced providers at Vein Institute sheds light on what vein disease is, the risk factors for vein disease, and how it’s treated.
What Is Vein Disease?
Your veins and arteries work together to transport blood throughout your body. Your arteries carry oxygen-rich blood away from your heart, while your veins carry oxygen-poor blood back to your heart to get reoxygenated. In order to keep your blood flowing in one direction back toward your heart, your veins contain one-way valves to encourage proper blood flow. Superficial veins are closer to the surface of your skin, while deep veins are located more deeply in the muscles.
If your veins are damaged, it can compromise your circulation and even your overall health. Examples of vein diseases include blood clots, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), spider veins, venous ulcers, venous insufficiency, and superficial thrombophlebitis.
What Causes Vein Damage?
The following conditions can damage either the walls of your veins or your valves:
Immobility, which can cause stagnation of blood flow (this is a risk for bedridden individuals)
Trauma or injury to your vein caused by intravenous catheters, chemotherapeutic agents, or infectious agents
Anti-clotting disorders
Pregnancy (which can increase your risk of varicose veins)
Cancer (which is linked to increased risk of DVT)
Depending on what causes your vein damage and what type of vein disease you have, you’ll experience different symptoms. Varicose veins, for example, lead to bulging, twisted veins that may ache or make your legs feel heavy. Venous ulcers present as a slow-healing wound, and blood clots can cause tenderness, redness, and swelling.
Risk Factors for Vein Disease
Now that we’ve covered what vein disease is and how your veins can get damaged, let’s explore your risk factors for vein disease. Risk factors for vein disease include:
Age
Weight
Family history of venous disease
Number of pregnancies
Smoking
Having hernia surgery
Flat feet
Sex (females have a higher risk related to levels of the hormone progesterone)
Being tall
Sitting or standing for prolonged periods of time
Risk factors aren’t a guarantee that you will (or won’t) develop a vein disease, but they can provide valuable insight into your vascular health. Some risk factors, like your age, can’t be changed, but some risk factors are within your control. For example, if you are overweight or smoke, you can take action to reduce your risk of developing vein disease. Vein-friendly lifestyle modifications include exercising regularly, smoking cessation, eating a heart-friendly diet, and staying active throughout the day. If you sit all day, take breaks to stand and stretch your legs and walk around the office. If you stand on your feet all day, be sure to take breaks to change positions, elevate your feet, or stretch, if possible.
What If I Spot the Signs of Vein Disease?
Vein treatments depend on which type of vein disease you have, and you don’t need to wait for your symptoms to progress before you reach out for help. Some issues can be addressed with conservative treatments or lifestyle changes (like wearing compression stockings or taking medication), but if you need more support, our team is equipped to perform minimally invasive procedures as well as surgical interventions. Some of the treatments we offer at our Fairfield, Newtown, and Shelton, Connective offices include:
If you’re concerned about your risk factors for vein disease, call the nearest office or simply book your appointment online.