People consider varicose veins a cosmetic issue. New large-scale genetics research based on data collected for years unveils about why some people develop varicose veins more than others. It suggests that your height may actually increase your likelihood of developing varicose veins. This research opens the possibility of more focused varicose vein disease prevention and treatment.
The Science Behind Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are large, distorted veins that are just under the skin surface and are mostly found on the legs. Here, blood only flows toward the heart and not back down the leg. Varicose vein occurs when the valves of a vein become weak and blood pools in the vein.
Typical varicose vein symptoms are:
- Leg pain, including aching, heaviness, or throbbing
- Foot or ankle swelling
- Vein-related burning or itching
- Hardened or discolored skin around veins
- Ultimately, this condition could lead to blood clots or ulcers.
As our lifestyle becomes more inactive, more and more people around the world are now living with varicose veins, and that number is steadily rising.
The Height Connection: What the Research Showed
A major genetic study [https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.118.035584] of more than 400,000 people concluded that taller people tend to get varicose veins more often. It turned out that the genes determining height could be the same ones affecting the veins’ makeup and blood circulation in the legs.
Since blood from the feet has to travel a longer distance to the heart in taller people, the pressure in the leg veins rises. Hence, the valve failure becomes more probable as time passes.
In the past, the treatments mainly revolved around surgical or minimally invasive procedures, being oblivious to the biologic mechanisms behind the problem. With these newly revealed genetic factors, we not only get a better understanding of why varicose veins happen but also a hint at possible future treatments that would keep the disease at bay even before the veins become visible.
At the same time, height also acts as a crucial risk factor in addition to aging, pregnancy, being overweight, smoking, inactivity, previous leg surgery, and having a family history.
When to Visit a Varicose Vein Clinic
If your legs are aching persistently and/or you see veins changing visibly, it’s not a bad idea to head to a varicose vein clinic for help. Doctors will first assess your vein’s functionality.
Nowadays, clinics do much more than just fix the problem. They look at your overall vascular health and check your lifestyle and family history to come up with a care plan specially designed for you.
Advances in Varicose Veins Treatment
The different methods used today to treat varicose veins are far safer, faster and more effective than in the past. The type of varicose vein treatment will mainly depend on how serious the condition is, and it might be:
- Lifestyle changes accompanied by the wearing of compression garments
- Small cuts to do laser treatments or radiofrequency ablation
- Sclerotherapy, especially for small-sized veins
- Intricate surgeries, especially for those cases that are complicated
What has been changed is the treatment focus. It’s not just about reducing the appearance but also about restoring normal blood flow and thus, lowering the risk of complications in the long-run.
Connect with the Right Experts
Through the research, as we keep on finding more about the genetic and biological factors behind varicose veins, leading expert care is becoming ever so crucial. Here at Advanced Cardiovascular Center, our patients receive high-quality treatment supported by scientific evidence.
So, be it your being tall, having a family history, or, in fact, noticing varicose vein symptoms, in any of these scenarios, timely help will make a big difference for you.
The Takeaway
Varicose veins are not a reason to hold a beauty contest; actually, they are a very common vascular condition affected by genetics, biology, and now, height as well. It is a fact that as we get to know more through science and our treatment methods get advanced, the secret is in taking care of yourself before things can get out of hand. If you feel uneasy at any point, don’t hesitate. Get checked out at a reputable clinic like Advanced Cardiovascular Center and delve into the world of personalized varicose vein treatment options.
