Varicose Veins

Alternative names:

varicosis; varicosity

Definition:

Enlarged, twisted veins with nonfunctioning valves.

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:

In normal veins, valves in the vein keep blood moving forward toward the heart. With varicose veins, the valves do not function properly, allowing blood to remain in the vein. Pooling of blood in the vein causes it to enlarge.

This usually occurs in the veins of the legs, although it may occur elsewhere. Varicose veins are common, affecting 1 out of 10 people, mostly women between the ages of 30 and 60. Causes include congenitally defective valves, thrombophlebitis, and pregnancy. Prolonged standing or sitting, poor posture, and increased pressure within the abdomen will both increase susceptibility or aggravate the condition.

Primary varicose veins occur because of congenitally defective valves or without a known cause. Secondary varicose veins occur because of another condition, such as occurs when a pregnant woman develops varicose veins (because the enlarged uterus puts pressure on the veins that drain the legs).