The Many Faces of Vascular Disease: Young Adults
More than 80 million Americans suffer from venous disease, a medical condition that can lead to further health problems if ignored. Varicose and spider veins are often considered medical issues that only older adults develop, but did you know that young adults are also at risk for vein disease?
While advanced age is often associated with varicose veins, aging is only one factor that contributes toward venous disease development. There are many causes of venous disease, many of which are related to your lifestyle, and can cause young adults to develop vein problems as early as their 20’s.
Causes of varicose veins and spider veins
The primary cause of vein disease, accounting for about 80% of cases, is heredity. If a family member had varicose or spider veins, you are more likely to develop them as well, and it is not unusual to find varicose veins in young adults who have a hereditary disposition to vein disease.
Here are some other factors that predispose a person to varicose veins and spider veins:
Occupations that require a lot of sitting or standing
Being overweight or obese
Being sedentary or not physically active
Hormonal influences during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause
Wearing constrictive clothing or high heels regularly
A history of blood clots
Also, varicose and spider veins tend to develop more often in women than in men.
Signs and symptoms of vein disease
If you have any of the following leg symptoms, they could be caused by venous disease and you should talk to your doctor.
Swelling in your feet, ankles or whole leg
A feeling of heaviness or discomfort in your legs
A throbbing or burning in your legs
Itching around your veins
Skin changes such as hardening or a change in the normal color
Tips for improving your circulation
Improving your circulation can help to prevent early-onset venous disease or minimize the signs and symptoms. Here are 3 easy ways to improve your circulation:
1. Maintain a healthy weight
Maintaining a healthy weight helps promote good circulation. Being overweight can negatively affect your circulation
2. Regular Exercise
Aerobic exercise greatly increases your heart rate, causing your heart to pump blood much more quickly. Try swimming, cycling, or a similar full-body exercise for at least half an hour every day.
3. Lifestyle Changes
If you sit or stand for long periods of time at work, set an alarm on your phone to remind you to move around. Walk around a little bit, do calf pumps to flex your calf muscles or some other activity. Switching from heels to flats as often as possible will also help your circulation.
No matter how old you are, if you have varicose veins, experience symptoms of venous disease, or have a family history of venous disease, it’s important to see a vein specialist.
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. Contact us to set up a consultation appointment.