Large population studies around the world have documented some common risk factors for varicose vein and venous disease development.
- Age
- Gender
- Pregnancy
- Family History
- Obesity
- Occupation
- Smoking
Age
Age has a large impact on varicose vein development, with steady increment of venous disease prevalence of each passing decade. An intuitive theory for this is that the elasticity and valve function of the veins are more worn out as we age.
Gender
The prevalence of varicose vein disease in women is estimated to be around 20% higher than that of men. Although various factors are involved, hormonal differences and child-bearing seem to play an important role in venous disease.
Pregnancy
Up to 40% of pregnant women have varicose veins during the course of their pregnancy. This is secondary to hormonal factors, physical pressure of the fetus, and other physiologic changes. The varicose veins may subside after delivery, but some may persist after delivery.
As one may predict, the risk of having varicose vein problems go up with the number of pregnancies.
Family History
Family history has a huge impact on varicose vein development, and the effect on women is even higher. One study found that when one parent is affected by venous disease, the chances of the son and daughter having varicose veins are 25% and 62%, respectively. When both parents are afflicted by vein conditions, the probably of their children having vein condition is as high as 90%.
Obesity
Obesity also increases the risk of developing varicose veins, and this factor appears to affect women disproportionately. In other words, women with higher BMI tend to have more vein problems, while the same relationship is not observed in men.
Occupation
Jobs that require long hours of standing are associated with varicose vein development. Nurses are often cited as a prime example of high risk occupation with long hours on their feet and predominately female workforce.
Smoking
Tobacco exposure is thought to induce inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, or damage to the vein walls. These actions in turn make the veins weaker and more susceptible to varicose vein development.