What Varicose Veins Are
Varicose veins are gnarled, enlarged veins close to the skin surface. Any vein may become
varicose, but the most commonly affected areas are legs and feet. Varicose veins are a
common condition in the United States. They affect up to 60 percent of all Americans.
For many people, varicose veins and spider veins — a common, mild and medically
insignificant variation of varicose veins — are simply a cosmetic concern. For other people,
they can cause aching pain and discomfort. Sometimes the condition leads to more
serious problems. Varicose veins also may signal a higher risk of other disorders of the
circulatory system.
Facts About Varicose Veins
Varicose veins occur when blood flow from the legs to the heart decreases and blood begins
to pool in the veins.
Normally, valves within the vein help blood flow upward against gravity. When these valves
malfunction, they allow blood to flow backwards and pool in the vein. This, along with an
age-related loss in vein elasticity, results in stretching of the veins that give them a bulging,
ropey appearance. In the legs, this process usually occurs in a thigh vein called the great saphenous.
Here are some additional facts about varicose veins:
- It is estimated that 25% of women and 15% of men worldwide have visible varicose veins.
- Varicose veins affect half of people age 50 and older, and 15-20% of all adults.
- Varicose veins are hereditary. If both your parents have varicose veins, you have almost a 90%
chance of developing them also.
- Women are estimated to be 2 to 4 times more likely than men to get varicose veins, possible
because of female hormones.