Causes of Varicose Veins

This article discusses the cause of varicose veins and how varicose veins occur based on information from The Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology. Arteries deliver oxygen deep into the tissue by carrying blood from your heart out to your extremities. Veins then re-circulate blood which is “de-oxygenated” (now blue) back to your heart.

When the veins in your legs return the blood to your heart, they need to work against gravity. To do this, veins contain small, one-way valves that regulate blood flow. The valves open to allow blood flow in an upward direction (towards the heart), and then close to prevent backward blood flow.

Varicose Vein Causes and Spider Veins

Varicose veins are caused by a malfunction of the valves in superficial leg veins. As a result, the valves may have trouble closing – leading to venous reflux. In this condition, blood that should be moving towards the heart is flowing backwards down the leg. This allows blood to collect in the lower veins, causing them to become varicose and enlarged.

Backup of blood can also lead to spider veins. This condition can also be caused by: sun exposure, hormone changes, and inheritance can cause the condition.

Source: JVIR (Journal of Vascular and Interventional Radiology)

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