Although the precise scientific causes of varicose veins remain unknown, researchers over the decades have been able to determine some of the key risk factors and possible causes that could lead to the development of varicose veins.
At the time of pre-op consultation, the vein specialist will diagnose the varicose vein condition and will try to understand the patient’s unique risk factors and possible underlying causes of the occurrence of these dysfunctional veins.
Based on the vein expert’s evaluation of the patient’s risk factors and underlying varicose vein condition, a customized treatment plan will be created. Empire Vein Specialists, led by board certified vein doctor Dr. Nina Grewal, provides varicose vein treatments to patients in Inland Empire, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, and surrounding areas of California.
POTENTIAL CAUSES
The function of a healthy vein is to return blood from various areas of the body to the heart. When muscles in the lower legs contract, the healthy veins are able to pump blood back to the heart. Tiny vein valves open as the blood rushes to the heart, and then close to stop the blood from flowing back.
However, aging effects may cause some of the veins to lose their elasticity and become lax. The vein valves may weaken, resulting in their poor functioning. This condition particularly occurs in the legs. The blood, instead of flowing to the heart, may start flowing in reverse. This blood will then get collected in the malfunctioning veins, causing then to enlarge and become varicose.
These veins gradually become bluish or purple in color because they hold deoxygenated blood. While aging seems to be an important cause, younger women may also develop varicose vein during pregnancy.
At the time of pregnancy, the blood volume in the body goes up, but the flow of blood from legs to the pelvis decreases. This circulatory change is meant to support the growing fetus, but it can have an unhealthy side effect in terms of varicose veins.
Pregnant women may develop varicose veins for the first time, or their existing varicose veins may worsen during this period when the veins in the legs receive more pressure from the uterus. Hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy or later on may also be responsible for the appearance of varicose veins.
RISK FACTORS
The vein treatment specialist will assess the following risk factors in a patient suffering from varicose veins:
Age
Vein valves will go through wear and tear as a person ages. Over time, some of the valves may function poorly due to the wear. As a result, the blood may pool in the veins instead of flowing back to the heart.
Gender
Women in particular are a greater risk of varicose vein disease. Pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations, premenstruation or menopause are some of the factors involved because the female hormones can cause the vein walls to become lax.
Genetics
Genetic factors might contribute to the appearance of varicose veins. If varicose vein problem is present in some members in the family, the others will be at a higher risk.
Board certified vascular surgeon Dr. Grewal receives patients from Inland Empire, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, and surrounding areas of California for varicose vein treatment.
Vein expert, Dr. Nina Grewal, is taking patients from Inland Empire, Riverside, San Bernardino, Moreno Valley, and surrounding areas of California. For more information, please call 1.800.VARICOSE.