7 Things That May Be Causing Your Vein Condition

7 Things That May Be Causing Your Vein Condition

Millions of Americans suffer from vein problems, including varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and chronic venous insufficiency. Although everyone knows vein health is important, plenty of people have no idea what causes vein problems or if they’re at risk for vein disease.

With locations in Glendale, Goodyear, Anthem, and Canyon City, Arizona, Phoenix Heart offers state-of-the-art treatment for vein conditions, along with a healthy dose of education to help patients improve their vein health (and their overall health, too). 

In this post, our team reviews seven common causes of vein problems, so you can play a proactive role in keeping your veins healthy.

#1 Genetics

You can’t blame everything on your family. But if you have vein disease, recent data shows it could be due at least in part to your genes. 

In fact, researchers hope an evolving understanding of genes involved in vein health will lead to new treatments and medications to treat or even prevent vein problems. In the future, genetic testing could help identify people at risk for vein problems long before symptoms appear.

#2 High blood pressure

As blood circulates, it exerts pressure on your vein walls. Your veins are “designed” to withstand a normal amount of pressure. But if you have high blood pressure, the excess force can damage your vessel walls, causing them to weaken. It can also damage the tiny valves inside your veins, substantially increasing your risks of varicose veins, spider veins, and other vein-related health problems.

#3 Sedentary lifestyle

Your heart and veins work together to keep your blood flowing, but physical activity helps a lot, too. In fact, in your lower legs, your calf muscles play an important role in lower limb circulation, and if you don’t use those muscles on a regular basis, they can atrophy, interfering with healthy circulation.

#4 Obesity

Fatty tissue compresses blood vessels, not just in your legs, but in your belly, too. When veins are compressed, circulation is compromised, and once again, the pressure inside the veins increases. Plus, many overweight people also have high blood pressure or high cholesterol, both of which increase the risk of developing vein disease

#5 Pregnancy

Having a baby is exciting — but it’s also a time when your body is under extra physical strain. Your growing baby puts pressure on your blood vessels, potentially interfering with circulation to and from your legs and feet. Hormonal changes and an increase in blood volume can also have an effect on circulation.

#6 Smoking

Smoking allows nicotine, tar, and other chemicals direct access to your blood via your lungs. Those toxins take an immediate toll on your blood vessel health, damaging vein walls and increasing inflammation inside your veins. Smoking damages your arteries, too, increasing your risk of atherosclerosis — so-called hardening of the arteries.

#7 Standing a lot

Spending hours on your feet puts a lot of pressure on your feet and legs — pressure that can take a toll on your vein health. When you’re standing, it takes a lot more effort for blood in your feet and lower legs to circulate back up to your heart. Blood starts to “pool up” in your legs and feet, creating excess pressure inside the veins that can damage the veins and the vein valves.

Keep your veins healthy

Vein disease can cause an array of symptoms, including:

If you have any symptoms of vein disease or a family history of cardiovascular problems, a vein health evaluation is the first step in preventing more serious problems in the future. To schedule yours, book an appointment at Phoenix Heart online or over the phone today.

You Might Also Enjoy...

9 Risk Factors for Developing PAD

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects millions of Americans, and without treatment, it can cause serious medical problems. Knowing your risk factors can help you seek treatment as soon as possible. Here are nine you should know about.

Know the Signs of Atrial Fibrillation

Atrial fibrillation (AFib) affects millions of Americans, increasing the risk of strokes and other serious medical problems. Although it’s common, many people don’t know about AFib — or what to look for. Here are the symptoms you need to know about.

When Does Arrhythmia Require Treatment?

An irregular heartbeat always needs to be medically evaluated — but it doesn’t always require medical treatment. Sometimes, lifestyle changes can help. Here’s how to tell which approach is right for your heart health.

3 Things Most Don't Know About Their Heart

February is American Heart Month, which means it’s a great time to learn a bit more about this incredibly important organ. Here are three facts you might not know about your heart and how it works.

Ways Cholesterol Affects Your Heart

Managing cholesterol levels is critical for preventing cardiovascular problems. But do you understand how cholesterol and heart health are linked? This post provides the answers.