Genetics has evidently played a major role in vein health, contributing largely to whether or not an individual will develop varicose veins or spider veins at some point in their life. This has got to do with the metabolic and structural similarities that we get from our parents. Environmental factors such as diet, exercise levels, alcohol consumption and whether or not a person smokes all play a role in the development of the condition. In this article, Vein Care Melbourne discusses the role that genetics plays in vein health as well as the hereditary factors that can contribute to vein problems.
The Significance of Family History and Genetics on Varicose Veins
There has been an increased level of research on the level to which genetics and family history affects an individual’s likelihood of developing varicose veins. The studies show that, especially for women, genetics plays a significant role. This is due to a number of reasons, the main one being that we get a lot of the structural and metabolic integrity of our veins from our genetics. If we are naturally born with veins that are susceptible to swelling, hardening or clotting, we will naturally develop varicose or spider veins at some point in our lives.
Further Understanding the Relationship Between Genetics and Veins
Recent studies have shown that genetics plays a significant role in how the vascular and skeletal systems develop. This further suggests a relationship between the development of varicose veins and spider veins with genetics and family history. Patients can inherit vascular issues which only show later in life, while others can be born with vascular abnormalities and present symptoms at a very young age. For these individuals, it is often considered to be an inherited condition.
What to do if You Are at Risk of Varicose Veins
Although we cannot change our genetics, there are still certainly some things that we can actively do during our lives in order to reduce the risk of developing varicose veins or spider veins. These include:
- Exercise: Your leg muscles are responsible for helping blood flow back to the heart. The healthier your leg muscles, the healthier your veins, and in turn, the less risk of you developing varicose veins.
- Eat Healthy: The food that we consume plays a major role in the development of varicose and spider veins. Individuals should eat food that is rich in fibre, vitamin B3 and vitamin K. Avoid eating food that is high in fats, sugars and carbohydrates.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking water thins our blood. If our blood is too thick, it can potentially swell or put excess pressure on our veins. This can be dangerous for vein health.
- Elevate Your Legs: If you are at a high risk of vein conditions, be sure to elevate your legs for a short period of time each day. This takes the pressure off your legs, allowing the blood to naturally flow back to the heart.
Learn more today about vein health and genetics by reaching out to our friendly team at Vein Care in Melbourne.