If you are like most people we meet in our vein clinic in Covington, you probably think that varicose veins are something that only happens to older people. But if you believe that, you’d be 100% wrong.
Yes, it’s true that varicose veins mostly affect older people – statistically, while only 5% of women under 23 have varicose veins, over 50% of women over 65 have them. HOWEVER, that’s not the whole story – many people develop varicose veins in their teens, or in their early 20s.
What you need to know about varicose veins and what causes them
Your age IS an important factor when assessing your risk of developing varicose veins. But it’s not the most important factor. That would be genetics – if one of your parents had varicose veins, you have a 60% chance of getting them if you’re female, and a 20% chance if you’re male. If both of your parents had varicose veins, you have a 90% chance of getting them yourself, whatever your gender.
Women have a higher risk than men for hormonal reasons, a risk that increases after pregnancy, if they use birth control pills, or if they undergo hormone replacement therapy. Even wearing high heels and too-tight clothing can increase vein risk. Other factors that contribute to your likelihood of developing varicose veins are being overweight, and indulging in risky behaviors such as smoking cigarettes and not getting enough exercise. So whatever your age, you’re NOT too young to have varicose veins.
What can you do to protect yourself and prevent varicose veins?
Obviously, you can’t change your gender, your age, or your genetic background. But, based on our many years of experience as Louisiana vein doctors, we know that you can lower your overall vein disease risk by losing weight, by stopping smoking, and by getting more exercise. Even if you are at higher-than-normal risk because of your heredity, some of the best vein doctors in Covington at La Bella Vita Laser and Vein Clinic can help you prevent varicose veins by prescribing lifestyle changes and compression stockings to improve circulation.
Your first step, however, should be to find out what your level of varicose vein risk actually is. Pick up your telephone and call and make an appointment for a venous health screening. These checkups are painless and non-invasive, but they allow your New Orleans vein specialists to determine what needs to be done to keep you healthy.
Click here to know more on can Vein Doctors Really Make My Varicose Veins Go Away Forever
Learn more about our varicose veins treatment.
