Are Varicose Veins Genetic? What You Need to Know About Hereditary Vein Issues

If you’ve noticed other family members with varicose veins, you may wonder if they’re genetic and if you’re destined to develop them. The truth is that varicose veins are often hereditary, but other factors can contribute to their development.

Here’s what you need to know about the genetic connection to varicose veins and how to manage your vein health, courtesy of  Dr. David T. Jacobs and our South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine team.

Are varicose veins hereditary?

Yes. Varicose veins often run in families. If your parents or grandparents have varicose veins, there’s an increased chance you may develop them, too. 

An older study from France suggests that if both parents have varicose veins, your risk increases to nearly 90%. But why? In 2023, researchers continued to study the impact of genetics on varicose veins. Their genome-wide association study (GWAS) found 50 different loci (locations of a gene on a chromosome) associated with varicose veins. 

At the conclusion of the study, researchers confirmed 21 loci already linked to varicose veins as well as 29 loci not previously connected to varicose veins.

The takeaway: Your genetics can influence the strength and elasticity of your vein walls and valves. Weak vein walls or faulty valves can cause blood to pool instead of flowing efficiently back to the heart, leading to varicose veins.

Other risk factors for varicose veins

In addition to genetics, the following risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing varicose veins:

• Age, specifically if you’re over 50
• Hormonal fluctuations associated with pregnancy and menopause 
• Prolonged sitting or standing
• Lack of physical activity 
• Weight challenges

While you can’t do anything to modify your family history, age, or genetics, focus on the risk factors within your control. 

What to do about varicose veins

Whether you already have varicose veins or you want to prevent them, keep these tips in mind:

Stay active

Regular exercise improves circulation and strengthens the muscles that help pump blood through your veins. Walking is one of the best exercises for vein health because as you walk, your calf muscles squeeze your veins and help pump blood back to your heart. 

Besides walking, other low-impact activities like swimming and cycling are excellent for vein health.

If you sit or stand for prolonged hours at work, move around every 30 minutes to prevent blood from pooling in your legs. Even simple stretches or walking in place can help.

Maintain a healthy weight

Excess weight puts added pressure on your veins. Losing even a small amount of weight can relieve strain and improve symptoms like achiness.

Weight loss relieves pressure on your veins and can also make your varicose vein treatments more effective.

Elevate your legs

If you spend long hours sitting or standing, take breaks to elevate your legs above your heart. This helps reduce pressure and improve blood flow.

Wear compression stockings

Compression stockings provide gentle pressure to support vein function and improve circulation, particularly if you have a family history of vein issues.

Consider medical treatments

If lifestyle changes aren’t enough, treatments like sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy, or microphlebectomy can address severe varicose veins.

When to seek vascular care

While varicose veins are often harmless, they can sometimes lead to complications like pain, swelling, skin changes, or blood clots. If you experience these symptoms,  call our office at 516-865-1234.

As a dual-board-certified vein specialist, Dr. Jacobs can help you get relief from your varicose veins. In addition to removing problematic veins through procedures like endovenous laser therapy or Varithena, he can also recommend the right lifestyle changes to help you reduce your risk of future vein problems. 

Don’t let varicose veins slow you down. To make your next appointment at South Shore Vein and Aesthetic Medicine, use our online booking tool.