Varicose Vein - Understanding Its Symptoms & Causes

Malfunctioning Vein Valve

In this theory, varicose veins develop because of malfunctioning vein valves. Here, deterioration in one of the valves, perhaps coupled with a shortage of the number of leg vein valves in some individuals, cause pressure to build up on the vein wall below. This causes the vein wall to stretch, and cause the valve below it to open, and therefore trigger a cascade of valve failure and vein wall stretching.

Weak Vein Walls

The weak vein wall theory is the opposite of the malfunctioning vein valve theory above. In this theory, weak vein walls cause stretching of the vein. Stretched and distorted vein shape makes it impossible for the vein valves to work properly and trigger the cascade of further wall stretching and valve failures.

There is some evidence supporting this theory. First, varicose vein is commonly found in pregnant women, where it is thought that the surge of hormones cause softening of the collagen fibers in the vein walls. This surge of hormones also occurs during a woman's period, which can be accompanied by aching legs and other varicose-like symptoms.

Genetics

Weak valves, a shortage of leg vein valves, or weak vein walls seem to be inherited characteristics. Indeed, a majority of those who have varicose veins also have other immediate family members, especially mothers or grandmothers, with varicose veins. Scientists also found that mothers and daughters often have the same symptoms and locations of varicose veins.

The Arterio-Venous Connection or the A-V Shunts

Normally, blood carrying oxygen flows from the heart through the arteries into the capillaries, where oxygen is delivered to the body's tissues. The blood would then travel back to the heart and lungs through the veins. Here, the capillaries act as mini pressure valves by keeping the enormous pressure of the arteries from overwhelming the veins.

In rare occasions, however, arteries are directly connected to veins through structures called arterio-venous or A-V shunts, bypassing the capillaries alltogether. Here, the high blood pressure of the arteries goes directly into the veins, which have much weaker walls than arteries. This cause the vein walls to stretch and vein valves to fail, thus leading to varicose veins.

A-V shunts can occur due to improper repair of damaged tissue, diseases, and hormonal surges during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.

Low Fiber Diet

Scientists have noticed that a low fiber diet, popular in Western countries, can contribute to a much longer time required for the colon to empty itself. This "heavy" colon, or a colon filled with fecal matter, compresses the veins and puts more pressure on the veins in the leg, thus causing a tendency to develop varicose veins.

Moreoever, a diet low in fiber also cause frequent constipation, which lead to straining to pass a stool. Pressure from the straining is passed from the abdominal muscle to the leg veins, causing the veins to swell and enlarge.

A high fiber diet fills the colon with bulky roughage, which makes the stool easier to pass. Typically found in the developing countries, a high fiber diet seems to go hand in hand with lower incidence of varicose veins.

Sedentary Lifestyle

This theory was first proposed by a Japanese doctor near the turn of the century. He noticed that people in Japan who sit on the floor have much lower incidence of varicose veins as compared to those who moved to the West and sat on chairs! Indeed, varicose vein is virtually unknown in cultures where chairs are fairly rare.

Indeed, sitting on a chair for a long period of time puts constant and increased pressure on leg veins. Vein pressure can increase as much as 250% when you sit.

Nevertheless, these last two factors are thought to be minor factors that by themselves do no directly cause varicose veins. Rather, in combination with the first two, they can trigger a new or aggravate an existing varicose vein condition.

Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are a very common condition in men and women. Most people do not realize, however, that hemorrhoids are basically varicosities in the rectal and anal veins.

Hemorrhoids can occur either inside or outside of the anal canal, and can be accompanied by bleeding, burning, itching, pain, discomfort, and inflammation.

For more information on hemorrhoids, its causes and treatment see:
Hemaron - Hemorrhoids Treatment

Varicocele or Varicose Vein of the Scrotum

In this common condition, varicose veins develop along a man's spermatic cord, which supplies blood to the testes. In this condition, there is a a bulging mass shaped like a bag of worms in the scrotum, often to its left side.

Varicocele is usually painless, although in some cases, men may report dull aching and heavy feeling in the area. It does not usually affect fertility, although in some instances, it can cause a reduction in sperm production.

Varicocele is thought to result from venous insufficiency in the testicular veins, which result in increased pressure and stretching of the testes veins.

Varicose Vein of the Pelvis

A female equivalent of varicocele, varicose veins of the pelvis and reproductive organs are very common in women. These varicosities usually do not hurt, although in some instances, a painful condition called pelvic congestion syndrome can develop.