Hereditary Causes of Varicose and Spider Veins

Are Varicose and Spider Veins Hereditary?

If one or both of your parents have vein conditions, does that mean that you will have the same or similar vein conditions? Which vein disorders are hereditary? Here, we will discuss vein conditions, hereditary predispositions for vein disorders, and what can be done to prevent or treat vein conditions.

Medical inspection of varicose veins on the legs

Explanation of Varicose Veins and Spider Veins

What are varicose veins? Are they the same thing as spider veins?

Varicose Veins
When a vein is put under stress, it can fail. When the vein fails, it is no longer able to carry blood back to the heart, and the blood pools in the vein. When this pooling occurs, the vein stretches and becomes enlarged, causing it to become varicose. Varicose veins are characterized by swelling in the lower legs, leg cramps, and swollen or twisted veins that are visible and usually discolored under the surface of the skin.

Unfortunately, if left untreated, varicose veins can progress and increase the risk of deep vein thrombosis, or DVT. DVT is a very dangerous blood clot that forms in a deep vein. So, treating varicose veins is essential to maintaining good health.

Spider Veins
Unlike varicose veins, spider veins (also known as telangiectasias) are thin, visible veins that look like spider webs under the surface of the skin. They are medically harmless, but some choose to have them removed for cosmetic purposes.

Hereditary vs. Lifestyle: What Contributes More?

So, what causes vein conditions? Is there more of a lifestyle component, or is the cause largely hereditary?

Vein conditions are hereditary. In fact, studies show that your risk of developing varicose veins goes up 40% if one of your parents has varicose veins. However, there are other factors as well. Hormonal changes, age, weight, lifestyle, and injury all affect whether an individual will develop varicose veins.

Signs That You May Be Genetically Prone to Varicose and Spider Veins

Vein conditions are caused by an underlying condition called chronic vein insufficiency, or CVI. So, how can you tell if you may be genetically prone to varicose and spider veins? Here are some of the signs.

One or More Parents have Varicose or Spider Veins
If one parent has varicose or spider veins, the risk is 40%, but if both parents have them, the risk jumps to 90%.
Early Onset
Developing spider or varicose veins in your teens or 20s could mean that you have a predisposition.
Easily Damaged Veins
If your veins bruise or swell as a result of minor injuries, you may have inherited vein weakness.
Visible Veins Not Due to Lifestyle
If your veins appear very visible and unprovoked (without the trauma of prolonged standing, weight gain, pregnancy, or other factors), you may have a genetic leaning toward vein issues.
Family History of CVI
If a family member has suffered from vein conditions, you may be likely to inherit the hereditary vein condition.

Can You Prevent Varicose and Spider Veins If They Run in the Family?

So, you’ve found out that varicose and spider veins run in your family. Don’t lose hope. Many lifestyle modifications can be made to help prevent varicose and spider veins.

Stay Active
Activities such as swimming, walking, or riding a bike help support vein health.
Elevate Legs When Possible
Raising the legs above the heart for 15 minutes a day helps alleviate the pressure on veins.
Maintain Healthy Weight

Keeping excess weight off will mean putting less pressure on your veins.

Compression is Your Friend
Wear compression socks when flying or when you have to be on your feet for extended periods of time.
Wear Sensible Shoes
Heels can shorten the muscles of the legs, which puts pressure on the veins.
Enjoy a Vein-Friendly Diet
Eating plenty of fiber and foods low in salt but rich in antioxidants is a great way to take care of your veins.
Limit Alcohol Consumption
Drinking alcohol can cause the veins to constrict, and this increases the risk of the pooling of blood in the veins.
Treat Veins When Problems First Arise
When a problem vein is noted, see a doctor right away. Early treatment is the key to preventing progression.

Treatment Options for Hereditary Varicose and Spider Veins

Although surgery is a viable option for varicose veins, there are innovative treatments that are effective in the alleviation and elimination of varicose veins. Some of these treatments include:

Consult your physician for more information.

Is it Possible to Develop Varicose Veins without a Family History?

Varicose veins can develop even if they don’t run in the family. The risk factors listed above, such as a sedentary lifestyle, being overweight or obese, standing for extended lengths of time, drinking alcohol, and eating overly caloric foods, can all be risk factors for vein conditions.

Are there Specific Tests to Determine if I am Genetically Predisposed?

There are no specific tests to determine if you are genetically predisposed to developing vein conditions. If you have a family history and are concerned, consult a physician as soon as possible. Poor vein health can lead to deep vein thrombosis, so it’s important to monitor any changes that occur.

Book a Consultation at Premier Vein and Vascular Center in Houston, TX

If you want to speak to a doctor about your genetic risk of varicose or spider veins, Premier Vein and Vascular Center is the obvious choice. Our doctors are experts in vein treatment, from vein treatment to fibroid treatment to other vascular procedures. We are known for our expertise in vein therapy. For more information, visit our website or schedule a consultation with our team.

Are Varicose Veins and Spider Veins Hereditary?