Are varicose veins or spider veins inherited?
While medical science has not yet provided a definite answer as to what causes varicose veins, it is known that varicose veins develop when the walls of the veins or valves are weak. Some people are born with weak valves or veins, while for others disease or injury can cause damage to the vessels. Heredity is an important factor, but vein valves can be affected by pregnancy, obesity and in the elderly when the veins tend to lose their elasticity with aging and the muscles supporting the veins weaken.
