- RP Specialized in:
- Plastic Surgery in Argentina
- Cosmetic Procedures
- Hair Transplant
- Dermatology
- Phlebology
- Related information
- Related Links
- Web Directories
- Free Quotation
- Webmaster
» Why do varicose veins occur? - Phlebology
Rodriguez Palacios® Medical Center Library - Phlebology
By Dr. Juan Carlos Patt, M.D.
All rights reserved
The enlargement of the vein diameter due to the dilation of the veins causes the valves in the veins to malfunction. When these valves function properly, they prevent the backward flow of blood, that is to say, they prevent blood from pooling and reversing its flow in the opposite direction. If veins function correctly, blood flows from the surface towards deep vein circulation, returning to the heart. When the valves in the veins fail, blood starts to flow in the wrong direction, that is, towards the surface and as a result, distended veins or varicose veins occur.
The causes of vein valve malfunction include: Hereditary (genetic) weakness of the walls of the veins (and its valves); hormones circulating in the blood stream, causing the smooth muscle in the vein walls to slack (e.g.: progesterone); trauma (blows) which damage the valves in the veins, leaving a varicose vein as a consequence. Additional causes or factors contributing to the development of varicose veins are pregnancy, obesity, the use of oral contraceptives, hormone replacement therapy and occupations which involve being seated or standing for long periods of time, among others. These are some of the causes why men suffer from varicose veins much less (only 25% of men have varicose veins) than women.