Leg vein conditions are quite common, but there are a few determinants that can increase one's risk of developing varicose or spider veins later on in life. While some of us might enjoy not having to develop varicose veins and spider veins throughout life, some people are more prone to having it. If you are part of the population described in the eight risk factors cited below, it is best do something to prevent it before it is too late. The following factors are conditions that can increase a person's chances of developing varicose or spider veins so it is useful to know about them in order to prevent yourself from developing vein conditions while you are still young. The risk factors include:
1. How old the person is- This is one of the more obvious risk factors of a person having vein conditions. The older you are, the more prone you will be to having vein problems because as we get older, the valves in our veins weaken and may not work as well, especially if you do not get enough exercise.
2. Lack of exercise- As mentioned above, not getting enough exercise can increase the risk of having vein conditions. Veins weaken because sitting or standing for prolonged hours will force your veins to exert more effort to pump blood to your heart. Additionally, people who sit with their legs bent or crossed increase the risk of getting varicose or spider veins even further.
3. Weight gain- In line with lack of exercise is having excess weight on your body. Being overweight or obese puts extra pressure on your veins and again, makes them work harder. This can especially lead to varicose veins if one is not careful.
4. Changes in the body's hormones-Changes in body hormones which commonly occur during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause also puts one at risk for vein conditions (which is also why women are more prone to varicose veins than men.)Artificial hormone adjustment medication such as birth control pills and other medicines that contain estrogen and progesterone also may increase the risk of forming of vein weakening and complications.
5. Becoming Pregnant-Pregnancy usually carries with it the double risk of weight gain and hormonal changes. More specifically during pregnancy, there is a huge increase in the amount of blood in the body. This can cause veins to enlarge. The growing uterus also puts pressure (because it is additional weight and blood supply also needs to travel there) on the veins and it is possible to acquire varicose veins while pregnant. However, varicose veins usually improve within 3 months after delivery. Also women who have had babies before should be aware that there is a possibility that more varicose veins and spider veins may appear with each additional pregnancy. Exercising during pregnancy however helps decrease that risk.
6. Extensive exposure to the sun-Spending long hours under the sun may put a person at risk for spider veins on the face, specifically the cheeks or nose.
7. Skin tone- the fairer you skin tone is, the more visible spider veins are and as mentioned above, the risk increases when you spend too much time under the sun.
8. Your family's medical history. If there is someone in your family with vein conditions, the likelihood that you also might have weak vein valves is high. About half the population of people who have varicose veins in their family have another member who has them as well.
If you already have varicose veins, certain clinics and medical centers have procedures and therapies available that can help minimize vein conditions.
The Heart and Vein Center is a prime example of vein clinics in Michigan that has a specialized medical facility specific for treating all kinds of vein conditions from varicose veins, spider veins and venous leg ulcers.
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