Who Gets Varicose and Spider Veins?
Hereditary factors play the most important role in determining whether you will develop leg vein problems. If you have varicose or spider veins, your mother or father probably had them too. Women are more likely to have varicose or spider veins due to hormonal factors including pregnancy, birth control pills, or hormone replacement therapy. Pregnancy, especially multiple pregnancies, plays a particularly big role in the development or worsening of vein problems. In addition to changes in hormonal levels, pregnancy increases the amount of blood in your veins and, as the uterus enlarges, the pressure in your pelvic and leg veins increases. Other factors that may accelerate the appearance of varicose or spider veins include: – The aging process – Obesity – Prolonged standing or sitting – Constipation – Leg trauma – Congenital conditions Do Spider or Varicose Veins Cause Any Symptoms? Most spider veins are nothing more than a cosmetic nuisance. Sometimes, however, they can be associated wi