Spider Veins: What Are the Main Risk Factors?

Blog Post
By BASS Vein Center
Spider Veins: What Are the Main Risk Factors?
October 19, 2023

Blood moves throughout the body via essential channels called veins. Veins carry blood from the body to your heart to absorb more oxygen. Because of their critical role in supporting the body's vital organs, the veins need to be treated with great care. 

Because they are so important, it's essential to understand potential vein problems and their associated risk factors. Blood clots may develop, blocking blood flow to the heart. Deep blood clots in the vein could also form to disrupt normal function. Another condition to consider when monitoring vein health is spider veins.

What Are Spider Veins?

Spider veins are a case of unhealthy blood flow in which the heart cannot receive the amount of blood it needs. According to Mayo Clinic, spider veins are a "mild variation of varicose veins," which, as also stated by the organization, "are twisted, enlarged veins."

Spider veins can be seen throughout the body and are red or blue colored. There are many risk factors associated with spider veins, but these are the most common causes:

Obesity

Obesity is very prevalent among Americans and is correlated with spider veins occurring in the body. The way this condition impacts the venous system is through exacerbating the pooling of blood inside the veins. 

Additionally, the pressure on the abdomen caused by obesity produces reflux of blood in the veins. When this happens, spider veins form and blood circulation to the heart will not function correctly.

Genetics

Your age, sex, height, and other genotypical traits can pose a risk of receiving spider veins. One Stanford University study found evidence that supports this by collecting genetic samples from a large pool of volunteers. 

One way to confirm if you could potentially suffer from this condition is to ask your family members about your medical history or consult your doctor.

Smoking

One of the main harmful traits of smoking is how it slows the blood flow in the veins, forming spider veins. The blood is introduced to toxic chemicals, which can lead to more complications. The best method to avoid this is abstinence from smoking. Doing this will help prevent these symptoms from worsening and protect the health of your venous system.

Menopause

Menopause is when a woman's body goes through many changes and typically happens one year after the last menstrual cycle. This time in a woman's life can last between 7-14 years. During menopause, the amount of sex hormones can change as well.

Spider veins can also be caused by an excess of these hormones, such as serum estradiol. When this occurs, the blood vessels are targeted and cannot properly function in the veins. Thus, spider veins form, and you will need to seek treatment from your doctor.

Spider Veins Treatment

One topical method for patients who suffer from spider veins is laser treatment. In this procedure, the doctor applies light over the skin's surface to target the affected part of the body. Afterward, the clots in the vein start to heal, and the colorization on the skin from the veins will fade.

Another recovery method is sclerotherapy, a procedure where the doctor injects a solution into the veins. It targets the liquid lining of the spider vein, where it then becomes scarred tissue. This type of procedure is speedy and efficient and is done in their office. 

Will My Insurance Cover Procedures?

Generally, you should contact your provider regarding its policies covering vein procedures. According to our insurance information webpage, "Unfortunately, cosmetic sclerotherapy, which treats spider veins, is not covered by insurances, but it is an available treatment option by our vein doctors." 

At BASS Vein Center, we will provide you with top-notch customer service and the highest quality of care. Call us today at (925) 281-5912, and we will be happy to serve you and your loved ones' needs!

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