The main cause of varicose veins is weak or damaged vein walls and valves.
Varicose veins occur when the one-way valves within veins, which are responsible for keeping blood flowing towards the heart, become weakened or damaged. This damage or weakening can lead to blood pooling in the veins and even flowing backward, a condition known as reflux. The increased pressure from this pooling blood weakens the walls of the veins over time, causing them to become enlarged, twisted, and visible near the surface of the skin.
Here's a breakdown of the process:
- Healthy Veins: In healthy veins, valves open to allow blood flow towards the heart and then close to prevent backflow.
- Weakened Valves: When valves are weakened, they may not close properly.
- Blood Pooling: This improper closure allows blood to flow backward and pool in the vein.
- Vein Enlargement: The pooled blood increases pressure within the vein, causing it to stretch and become enlarged, resulting in varicose veins.
Therefore, the underlying problem is the compromised function of vein walls and valves, which leads to the visible manifestation of varicose veins.
