Health Tip: Could I Develop Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are bulging, sometimes painful veins often found on the legs. Spider veins are smaller and less pronounced.

The womenshealth.gov website explains these common risk factors for varicose and spider veins:

• Getting older.
• Having weak veins or having a family history of vein problems.
• Having hormonal changes associated with pregnancy, puberty, menopause or use of birth control pills.
• Being pregnant.
• Living a sedentary lifestyle, or being obese or overweight.
• Being exposed to the sun and having fair skin.