Are Tall People More Likely to Develop Varicose Veins?

The taller you are, the more likely you are to develop varicose veins.

A Stanford University School of Medicine study proves that being tall is a considerable risk factor for varicose veins. The findings showed a strong genetic link between height and varicose veins, and suggested that the genes that determine height are likely to cause varicose veins.

Researchers used data from more than 500,000 people to identify genetic regions associated with varicose veins. In addition to known risk factors for varicose veins—age, family history, gender, weight—their research revealed a connection between height and varicose veins.

“Genes that predict a person’s height may be at the root of this link between height and varicose veins and may provide clues for treating the condition,” said Nicholas Leeper, MD, associate professor of surgery and of cardiovascular medicine at Stanford.

"A handful of studies from 20 or 30 years ago hinted at a link," Leeper said. "We don't understand it. Perhaps taller people are affected by gravity, or there could be something in the vessel wall itself. What is happening, we just don't know."

Varicose veins are swollen, twisted veins that can be seen just under the surface of the skin, usually in the legs. More than 30 million people in the United States have varicose veins. These veins can cause moderate pain and have been linked to more serious side effects of deep vein thrombosis, which occurs when a blood clot forms in one or more of the deep veins in the body.

“The condition is incredibly prevalent but shockingly little is known about the biology,” says medical student Alyssa Flores. “There are no medical therapies that can prevent it or reverse it once it’s there.” Treatment is mainly limited to surgical procedures, such as laser treatment or vein stripping.

The researchers hope their results shed light on the underlying biology that changes in people at risk for varicose veins and allow scientists to develop new therapies.

If you are taller than average and have concerns about developing varicose veins, or are currently suffering from varicose veins, contact us today to set up a consultation appointment.

Elmore Medical Vein & Laser Treatment Center is the premier vein specialty medical practice in the Central Valley. Dr. Mario H. Gonzalez and his staff offer years of experience and medical expertise that you won’t find anywhere else.