Diseases & Conditions
Are varicose veins a health risk?
Ask the doctors
I have a lot of varicose veins. Do they present any sort of a health risk?Varicose veins are raised, often twisted veins, most commonly found in the legs. Normally, valves inside the veins regulate the flow of blood as it moves toward the heart. If these valves malfunction, some of the blood slides backward inside the vein toward the feet. The blood starts to back up inside the veins, making them swell, so they are visible under the skin. Varicose veins commonly run in families, but other factors can contribute to their development, including pregnancy, obesity, or standing or sitting for long periods of time.
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