Understanding Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged, gnarled, swollen veins that most commonly occur in the legs, ankles and feet. This happens as a result of a condition called venous insufficiency or venous reflux, meaning blood pools in the veins of the lower extremities. For blood to be returned to the heart, the veins must work against gravity. Muscle contractions of the lower extremities act as a pump. These work in tandem with the elastic-like interior of the veins to return blood to the heart for recirculation. When blood collects in the veins, swelling and sometimes pain can result. More than 25 million Americans suffer from venous reflux, most of them women.
Age and Gender
As one ages, veins often lose their elasticity and stretch out. The valves intended to prevent back flow are performing less efficiently. This normal wear and tear causes the valves to weaken, causing pooling of the blood that hasn't been returned to the circulatory system. Varicose veins appear blue or purple because they contain deoxygenated blood waiting for recirculation through the lungs.
Varicose veins are enlarged, gnarled, swollen veins that most commonly occur in the legs, ankles and feet. This happens as a result of a condition called venous insufficiency or venous reflux, meaning blood pools in the veins of the lower extremities. For blood to be returned to the heart, the veins must work against gravity. Muscle contractions of the lower extremities act as a pump. These work in tandem with the elastic-like interior of the veins to return blood to the heart for recirculation. When blood collects in the veins, swelling and sometimes pain can result. More than 25 million Americans suffer from venous reflux, most of them women.
Age and Gender
As one ages, veins often lose their elasticity and stretch out. The valves intended to prevent back flow are performing less efficiently. This normal wear and tear causes the valves to weaken, causing pooling of the blood that hasn't been returned to the circulatory system. Varicose veins appear blue or purple because they contain deoxygenated blood waiting for recirculation through the lungs.