Unknown Contributors to Vein Disease

Vein disease is a chronic condition that affects more than 25 million people in the United States. Vein disease can have far-reaching consequences throughout the body and make it painful to move and complete your everyday activities. Many are unsure of how they developed the illness, and having a clear picture of how the condition manifests can be critical to getting help and recovering. 

There are some contributors to vein disease that can be challenging to avoid. But there are some ways you can catch vein disease before it progresses. Here are some lesser-known contributors to vein disease development and what you can do to treat them.

Age 

Getting older is a fact of life and can also play a role in developing vein disease. Our bodies undergo natural changes as we age, which can cause some systems to function less efficiently than they used to, including our veins. Over time, the aging process can weaken the veins and make your heart work harder to pump blood.

Long Periods of Standing or Sitting

It surprises many people when they learn that being on their feet or sitting for a long time can affect their circulation. Circulation issues from sitting can come from the additional pressure on your veins that builds up over time. Eventually, circulation is more challenging for your heart and can cause blood to pool in your legs.

A Sedentary Lifestyle

Staying physically active can help your veins move blood through your body and carry nutrients to essential organs. Not getting exercise can have the opposite effect. Like other causes of vein disease, inactivity can create a backflow in your veins, cause blood to pool in your legs, and cause issues.

Genetics

Your family history can play a pivotal role in developing vein disease. Some experts believe you have a 40 percent chance of developing vein disease if one of your parents has the condition. 

Although we have no control over the aging process and genetics, there are a few things you can do to help reduce your risk of developing vein disease. 

First, having an active lifestyle can help you keep your blood flowing and keep them healthy. If necessary, you can start small and go for short walks to stimulate your heart and muscles to get blood moving.

You can also fight vein disease by:

• Quitting smoking
• Monitoring your diet
• Losing weight
• Staying mobile if you work a sedentary job

If you have additional questions about how to protect your vein health, we’re here to help. Call Fort Worth Vein Center today at 817-893-2661 to schedule a consultation.