The Dose I’m young and fit. Why should I care about varicose veins?
May 22, 2025
Dr. Varun Kapila, a vascular surgeon and the president of the Canadian Society for Vascular Surgery, dives into the surprising reality that varicose veins can start affecting individuals in their 20s and 30s. He discusses risk factors like hormonal changes and lifestyle choices that contribute to their development. The conversation covers effective prevention strategies, including compression stockings and healthy habits. Dr. Kapila also highlights the emotional toll of visible veins and emphasizes the importance of early treatment to avoid complications.
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What Are Varicose Veins?
- Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins just under the skin due to degenerative changes.
- They mainly occur in legs where vein valves fail, letting blood pool backward.
Valve Failure Causes Backflow
- Vein valves act as one-way flaps preventing blood from flowing backward.
- Failure of these valves causes blood to pool in leg veins, leading to varicose veins.
Causes of Varicose Veins
- Varicose veins result from genetics, pregnancy, prolonged standing, and obesity.
- These risk factors damage vein valves and increase varicose vein development.