19 Facts about the human veins

Jobs that require long periods of standing increase your risk of getting varicose veins. Tweet This

During pregnancy, the amount of blood increases to support the developing baby. Additionally, increased hormone levels cause the muscular walls of the blood vessels to relax. Tweet This

Most pregnant women’s varicose veins significantly improve after the baby is born. Tweet This

A vascular specialist is to be consulted when veins are causing pain, swelling, discomfort, heaviness or itching. Tweet This

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Vascular specialist is a medicine doctor who examines the blood system. Tweet This

Changes in the colour of the skin on your leg, leg ulcers below the knee or eczemas may be caused by problems with the blood flow in the leg. Tweet This

A duplex ultrasound scan can show the blood flow and help the vascular specialist locate any damaged valve. Tweet This

As prevention, keep weight under control, exercise, eat a diet high in fibre and low in salt, and wear loose comfortable clothing when possible. Tweet This

Foods with much sugar or vitamin C can make varicose veins worse. Tweet This

If you are genetically predisposed to develop varicose veins, they may appear no matter what preventive measures you take. Tweet This

TED (thromboembolism-deterrent) stockings are great nonsurgical treatment of varicose veins, preventing skin breakdown and worsening. However, compression stockings won’t make them disappear. Tweet This

Don’t stand or sit for long periods without taking a break. When seated, avoid crossing your legs. Tweet This

Keep your legs raised (if possible, above the level of your heart) when sitting, resting, or sleeping. Tweet This

Physical activities get your legs moving and improve muscle tone. This facilitates blood passage through your veins. Tweet This

Tight clothes around waist, groin, or legs can make varicose veins worse. Tweet This

Wearing high heels for long periods can provoke or worsen varicose veins. Tweet This

Spider veins do not pose a medical risk, but can be removed with minimally invasive procedures for cosmetic reasons. Tweet This

Sun exposure on the cheeks or nose can cause spider veins if you are fair-skinned. Tweet This

Varicose veins can lead to: hard to heal skin ulcers; external bleeding; superficial thrombophlebitis or deep vein thrombosis, which are both in essence a blood clot (which in turn can be fatal if travels to the lungs). Tweet This