WHAT ARE VARICOSE VEINS?

Blood normally flows through the deeper veins in a one-way direction, up the leg towards the heart. This flow is controlled by a one-way system of valves, these prevent the blood from flowing in the wrong direction, back down the leg. Varicose veins occur when these valves in the deeper veins fail and allow the blood to flow in the wrong direction causing pressure on the veins closer to the skin. These then swell, can become painful, and are the large lumpy irregular veins that you can see.

Cause of Varicose Veins

Varicose veins occur through the following steps:

1. Vein valves become damaged or diseased, resulting in vein valve failure.
2. Reflux or backward flow in the veins occurs.
3. Pooling of blood causes pressure in leg veins.
4. Increased pressure may cause surface veins to become dilated (varicose).

This image shows a comparison between a normal and dilated vein.

How common are they?

It is estimated that 72% of women and 42% of men will experience varicose veins by the time they are in their 60s.

• Prevalence is highly correlated to age and gender.
• Risk factors:
  • Multiple pregnancies
  • Family history
  • Obesity
  • Occupation requiring one to stand for great lengths of time

What are the sypmtoms?

• Approximately 20% of people suffer from venous reflux
• Common symptoms of this progressive condition include:
  • Varicose veins
  • Pain
  • Swollen limbs
  • Leg heaviness and fatigue
  • Skin changes and skin ulcers

Images provided by VNUS
© Veinchoice, 2007.
Page last revised 2 July 2007