Can you blame your Grandparents for your legs?

A common question at our clinic is "do varicose veins run in families?".

Unfortunately this is true, if one parent has varicose veins then you have an increased risk. If both parents are affected, then it jumps to 90% chance! Technically it is not varicose veins that are hereditary but venous disease.  

Quick biology lesson: Arteries carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Your veins carry ‘used’ blood back to the heart, and valves in the veins stop the blood from flowing backward.

When veins have trouble returning blood from the limbs back to the heart, it is known as venous insufficiency. In this condition blood can to pool in the veins on the legs, putting additional stress on the veins and the valves and wall can become further impaired causing venous reflux.

Sufferers of venous incompetence may not have visible varicose veins on the surface of their legs but have other symptoms such as:

·         Aching, swollen or itchy legs,

·         Nocturnal cramps and restless leg syndrome,

·         Eczema, brown staining or hardening of the skin on the calves and ankles.

If you have a family history of venous disease and believe you could be at risk then it might be recommended that you visit a phlebologist. At The Leg Vein Doctor, all initial consultations for varicose vein include a full ultrasound investigation. A GP referral is recommended but not required to book an appointment with Dr Kemp.