Venous Disease

Causes

The body’s blood delivery system is incredibly efficient, until something goes wrong. When a problem develops in the veins, it can cause varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, and even a pulmonary embolism (PE). Many people with vein problems never have any symptoms. That’s why it’s important to check with your doctor to see if you’re at risk for developing venous disease (leg vein problems).

Risk factors

If you haven’t been diagnosed with problems and don’t have any symptoms but think you’re at risk for venous disease, talk to your doctor, especially if you have any of the following risk factors. Your doctor can help you determine if you should consider additional testing or how you can reduce your risk for developing problems in the future.

• Spending days in bed
• Sitting in a car or airplane for long stretches without standing or walking around
• Having leg, knee, hip, stomach, or brain surgery
• Having cancer, heart failure, stroke, or a severe infection
• Being pregnant or having given birth (a Cesarean increases the risk)
• Having hormonal changes from birth control pills, hormone therapy, or menopause
• Smoking
• Being older, especially over age 70
• Being overweight
• Having a family history of vein problems
• Having varicose veins
• Having a prior history of blood clots
• Having been injured
• Having been ill
• Having been in the hospital or intensive care unit (ICU)
• Having had too much sun exposure
• Not exercising
• Going too long without water
• Having inflammatory bowel disease