FAQ: Are Vein Issues Hereditary?

Leg Vein DisordersThe short answer to the this frequently asked question is YES. But just because vein issues run in your family doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll end up with the same problem, too. The same goes for the other end of the stick. Just because you have no family history of vein issues doesn’t mean you’ll be clear of them for your entire life. Weak or damaged valves within your veins is what leads to varicose veins, while the backup of blood is the can cause of spider veins. But what causes both of those things to happen in the first place? Here’s some more information on the most common causes of vein issues and how you can try to  avoid them.

Family History Increases Chances of Developing Vein Issues

If one or more people in your close immediate family have developed vein issues in their lives, it does tend to increase the likelihood that you could too. Overall, vein issues are not that uncommon as a whole. According to WomensHealth.gov, about 50 to 55 percent of women and 40 to 45 percent of men in the United States suffer from some type of vein problem. Varicose veins affect half of people 50 years and older. Your best bet at avoiding developing vein issues, if they run in your family, is to lead a healthy lifestyle, including a healthy diet and plenty of regular activity.

Standing or Sitting for Long Periods Are Equally Bad

Some reports these days say that sitting kills. Well, that’s a bit of an exaggeration. Too much of anything isn’t good for you. Everything in moderation! The same is true for sitting or standing in the same place all day. Too much of either scenario can cause blood to pool in your lower legs, ankles and feet. If you have a job that requires you to sit or stand all day, try and find time to move around, and get the circulation pumping. Even doing a few exercises like contracting and releasing your leg muscles repeatedly can help ward off the negative effects.

Keep the Weight Off

Adding too much weight to your frame isn’t good for many health reasons, but it can also help lead to vein disorders. Added weight puts more stress on all the organs and parts in your body. It also puts more pressure on your legs and venous system. Try to  keep a healthy and consistent weight to avoid vein complications and issues that accompany extreme weight gain.

Related Read: FAQ: What Are The Warning Signs of a Vein Disorder?

Pregnancy Can Increase Your Predisposition

It’s not much of a surprise that pregnancy can increase your chances of developing vein issues. Pregnancies typically always come with weight gain, which means similar to adding too much weight to your frame, it will increase the amount of pressure and stress on your legs and venous system. To try to  prevent vein issues from developing during pregnancy, try and keep your weight to a healthy level. Your gynecologist should be able to give you a healthy range of weight throughout your pregnancy.

Other Diseases That Increase The Likelihood of Vein Issues

While many causes of vein issues are avoidable, some, like heredity, are not. Some diseases can actually cause vein issues to develop. Diseases like Phlebitis, which causes inflammation of the veins, blood clots, and congenital abnormalities of the veins can increase your chances of developing vein issues.
Call the Vein Clinic of Greater Kansas City today at (913) 541-5343 to consult a specialist on your vein issues, how to prevent them from worsening, and how to finally treat your existing problem.