Q3. Who is most likely to get varicose veins

A3. Many groups of people are affected by varicose veins.

Statistically, more women than men develop varicose veins which occur for several reasons. These include pregnancy, oral contraceptives and the menopause.

Varicose veins also run in families. If someone in your family has suffered from varicose veins then there is strong chance that you will do the same. Heredity plays a part.

Older people are more likely to develop varicose veins which are due to normal wear and tear. The veins lose their strength over time which also weakens them. This also affects the valves within the veins which impairs the circulation.

Overweight or obese people are at increased risk of varicose veins. This extra weight puts additional pressure on the veins which causes them to expand and twist out of shape. This forces them against the surface of the skin and disrupts the normal flow of blood through these veins.

People who have a job in which they are required to stand on their feet for many hours, or are sat at a desk for a prolonged period of time are also at risk.

For further information visit our causes of varicose veins section.

FAQS Index:

Varicose veins FAQs

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• Q1. What are varicose veins?
• Q2. Do varicose veins only develop in your legs?
• Q3. Who is most likely to get varicose veins
• Q4. Why do women get varicose veins more than men?
• Q5. What causes varicose veins?
• Q6. What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
• Q7. How are varicose veins diagnosed?
• Q8. What is the treatment for varicose veins?
• Q9. Are there long term problems with varicose veins?
• Q10. How do you prevent varicose veins?

• Q11. Can you inherit varicose veins?
• Q12. How do compression stockings work?
• Q13. What is endovenous laser ablation?
• Q14. What is sclerotherapy?
• Q15. Does sitting with your legs crossed cause varicose veins?
• Q16. What is deep vein thrombosis?
• Q17. Does travelling cause deep vein thrombosis?
• Q18. Can you prevent deep vein thrombosis?
• Q19. How do you treat deep vein thrombosis?
• Q20. Are varicose veins the same as thread veins?

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Guide to Varicose Veins

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• Guide to Varicose Veins
• Your leg veins
• Varicose veins
• Causes of varicose veins
• Symptoms of varicose veins
• Diagnosing varicose veins
• Treating varicose veins
• Non-surgical treatment for varicose veins
• Coil embolisation
• Sclerotherapy
• Foam sclerotherapy
• Ultrasound guided sclerotherapy
• Lifestyle changes
• Compression stockings

• Surgical treatment for varicose veins
• Vein ligation and stripping
• Endoscopic perforator vein surgery
• Latest treatments
• Ambulatory phlebectomy
• Endovenous laser treatment
• Radiofrequency ablation
• Transilluminated powered phlebectomy
• Complications of varicose veins
• Preventing varicose veins
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Varicose veins FAQs
• Glossary