Risk factors for varicose veins

The exact cause of varicose veins isn’t known, but certain factors increase your risk of developing them.

• A family history of varicose veins.
• Obesity. Being overweight puts extra pressure on your veins.
• Pregnancy. Pregnancy increases the volume of blood in your body, but decreases the flow of blood from your legs to your pelvis, which can cause enlarged veins in the legs.
• Standing for long periods of time. Your blood doesn’t flow as well if you’re in the same position for long periods.
• Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins.
• Age. Varicose veins usually appear between ages 30 and 70, and get worse over time.

Varicose vein fact sheet (pdf)