Varicose veins

Varicose vein occurs when veins stop functioning properly. It is a one way valve which prevents blood from flowing upwards. When this function fails blood is collected in the vein, enlarging it. Varicose veins affect the legs as it is farthest from heart when gravity hinders the blood from flowing upwards. Menopause, pregnancy, age over 50, standing for longer periods of time, family history etc. are considered the causes of varicose vein. Symptoms involve highly visible misshapen veins, pain, swelling, heaviness and achiness, discoloration, worst cases veins bleed and form ulcer. Varicose vein is diagnosed through ultrasound or venogram.