Risk Factors for Varicose Veins

Many factors play a part in the development of varicose veins. They can affect adults of all ages, but there are certain factors that make you more likely to develop them:

  • Heredity – if your mother or father has varicose veins, there is a greater likelihood you will develop them.

  • Age – the development of varicose veins can happen at any age, but usually occurs between the ages of 18 and 35 years, and peaks between 50 and 60 years.

  • Gender – females are affected approximately four times as much as males.

  • Pregnancy – during pregnancy varicose veins can form, but may disappear after the delivery of the baby. A vascular specialist can discuss your situation with you three to six months after birth and after you have stopped breastfeeding, and if needed, a treatment plan can be developed.