Varicose veins are enlarged and distended veins. They can occur anywhere in the body, but are particularly common in the pelvis and legs.
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Veins have one way valves to channel blood back to the heart. Varicose veins develop when the valves of the veins become damaged. This causes blood to pool in the veins, enlarging them and often making the veins just beneath the skin visible.
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for varicose veins include:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam. Varicose veins can be easily seen. Initial diagnosis can be done during a simple physical examination. Your doctor may also wish to order an
examination of your leg veins.
If you are diagnosed with varicose veins, follow your doctor's
Varicose veins can't necessarily be completely prevented, especially if they run in your family. The following recommendations may help prevent varicose veins:
American College of Phlebologyhttp://www.phlebology.org/
American Society of Plastic Surgeonshttp://www.plasticsurgery.org/
Canadian Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgeryhttp://www.csaps.ca/
Canadian Society for Vascular Surgeryhttp://canadianvascular.ca/
American College of Phlebology website. Available at:
. Accessed July 15, 2009.
Gorroll A. Mulley A.
Primary Care Medicine
. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2000.