Does Your Height Matter for Varicose Veins?
You have probably heard about some of the well-known risk factors for developing varicose veins, such as age, female sex, family history, pregnancy, obesity, and occupation. However, you may not be aware that height is another risk factor for developing vein disease. The taller you are, the more likely you are to develop varicose veins. In this article, we’ll look at height and how it affects the health of your veins.
What are varicose veins, and what are the causes of vein disease?
Varicose veins are swollen and enlarged veins that you can see just under the skin’s surface. In most cases, they are the visible offshoots of larger internal veins that are not functioning properly. Varicose veins usually occur in the legs, and frequently cause aching, pain, heaviness, swelling, and tiredness in the affected leg(s). Over time, varicose veins that are not treated can lead to more serious problems, including irreversible swelling, skin breakdown, and chronic leg ulcers. Varicose veins have also been linked to deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a potentially life-threatening condition that involves blood clots in the deep vein system.
Here are some of the most common risk factors for varicose veins.
Prolonged sitting or standing: Occupations that require sitting or standing for long periods at a time tend to increase your risk of varicose veins.
Age: The older you are, the more likely you are to develop varicose veins.
Sex: Women are more likely to develop varicose veins than men.
Genetics: If someone in your family has varicose veins, you are more likely to develop them too.
Weight: Carrying extra weight increases your risk of varicose veins.
Pregnancy: Each pregnancy increases your risk of varicose veins.
Damage to the veins: Veins that have been damaged by previous injury or surgery are more likely to become diseased or varicose.
How height might play a role in developing varicose veins
Compared to the risk factors listed above, the relationship between height and vein disease was discovered more recently.
Stanford University School of Medicine researchers led a large-scale study of clinical and genetic risk factors for varicose veins that was published in 2018. Their results confirmed many of the traditional risk factors for varicose veins, in addition to revealing greater height as a novel predictor of vein disease. Statistical analysis of these results indicated that greater height plays a causal role in varicose vein development, and that there is a strong genetic correlation between height and varicose veins.
What’s the bottom line? Taller people are at greater risk for developing varicose veins, and this is at least partially due to genetic factors.
What can be done to treat or prevent varicose veins?
Height is what we call a non-modifiable risk factor for varicose veins, that is, there is nothing you can do to change how tall you are. However, being aware of your non-modifiable risk factors is still helpful, because it means you can (and should) be even more proactive about changing your modifiable risk factors.
To help prevent vein disease, you can eat a healthy diet, get regular exercise, and avoid sitting or standing for long periods of time. If you do have to stand or sit for long periods, it is helpful to wear compression stockings, take frequent breaks to walk around, and perform calf exercises while sitting or standing.
If you already have varicose veins, there are a number of treatments available. Some people may need in-office procedures to improve their circulation and relieve symptoms, while others may be able to get relief from compression stockings or other therapies. Talk to your vein specialist about the best treatment plan for you.
The benefits of seeking treatment for varicose veins
If you're wondering if treatment is right for you, here are some of the benefits you can expect from seeking treatment:
1. You'll improve your overall vein health
Varicose veins aren't just a cosmetic issue. Seeking treatment for varicose veins is an important step in maintaining your overall vein health and preventing more serious problems down the road, such as chronic leg ulcers.
2. You'll feel less pain and discomfort
Varicose veins can cause a lot of pain and discomfort, especially when you're standing or sitting. Treatment can help reduce this pain and make everyday activities a lot more comfortable, allowing you to stay active and do the things you enjoy doing!
Final Thoughts
Though height is not the only factor that contributes to varicose veins, it is now known to be a significant one.
No matter how tall you are, you can be proactive about reducing your risk of varicose veins. Don't underestimate the importance of lifestyle habits like healthy eating and regular exercise, and remember to take regular breaks during extended periods of standing or sitting. Compression stockings are another useful tool you can use on a daily basis to help prevent varicose veins.
If you have any questions about your vein health, contact us at Elmore Medical today.
Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.