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What Causes Varicose Veins?
This condition can be a result of broken or weakened valves. Our blood is carried through the body by arteries coming out of the heart. Also, blood is taken back to our hearts through veins from other parts of our bodies. Veins in the leg must work against the laws of gravity to return the blood to the heart.
When the muscles of the lower leg contract, they act as the pump required to move the blood, and the elasticity property of the veins helps the blood to flow back into the heart. There are tiny valves present inside the veins which open as the blood returns to the heart. They also serve the dual function of preventing the backflow of blood.
The presence of weakness or damage to the valves will cause blood to flow backward instead of forward and lead to the pooling of the blood inside the veins, which can result in twisting and stretching of the vessel in other to accommodate such pool (1).
Weakness of the vessels can be a result of hormones, old age, excessive weight gain, and pregnancy. Others are standing in a position for hours, tight clothing on the legs, and the presence of varicose veins in other members of the family.
Next we will learn the associated high risk factors.
