Why do I have varicose veins at 25 years old?

I am a skinny 25 year old who has never been pregnant. I live an active lifestyle and maintain a healthy diet. I work out for an hour a day, plus I take my dog on 3-4 walks a day. I don't keep my legs crossed and I wear compression socks. Why do I have varicose veins?

Answers from doctors (12)


Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

Published on Apr 22, 2013

It is very likely that your varicose veins are hereditary.

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Answered by Tulane Heart & Vascular Institute

It is very likely that your varicose veins are hereditary.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Ozark Regional Vein Center

Published on Apr 11, 2013

Most likely your varicose veins are due to genetics. Does your mother and/or father or grandparents have similar problems? I doubt there is anything you have done wrong and there is likely nothing you could have done to prevent it. One in three adults will have some insufficiency during their lifetime; it is a very common disease.

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Answered by Ozark Regional Vein Center

Most likely your varicose veins are due to genetics. Does your mother and/or father or grandparents have similar problems? I doubt there is anything you have done wrong and there is likely nothing you could have done to prevent it. One in three adults will have some insufficiency during their lifetime; it is a very common disease.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Published on Apr 08, 2013

Your condition is genetic. You should undergo an evaluation by a venous specialist.

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Answered by Michael F. Gioscia, MD, FACS, ABVLM

Your condition is genetic. You should undergo an evaluation by a venous specialist.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Center for Vein Care and Surgery

Published on Apr 04, 2013

Many times, varicose veins are hereditary. Ask your family members.

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Answered by Center for Vein Care and Surgery

Many times, varicose veins are hereditary. Ask your family members.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Chuback Vein Center

Published on Apr 04, 2013

Like the other vein specialists explained, varicose veins are also caused by genetics, not just an unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, if you have a parent or grandparent with varicose veins, you are more prone to developing them in your lifetime. Keep up the good work with your active, healthy lifestyle!

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Answered by Chuback Vein Center

Like the other vein specialists explained, varicose veins are also caused by genetics, not just an unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, if you have a parent or grandparent with varicose veins, you are more prone to developing them in your lifetime. Keep up the good work with your active, healthy lifestyle!

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Advanced Vein Center

Published on Apr 03, 2013

Genetics play a huge role in who develops varicose veins. You probably inherited the gene from one of your parents.We all have a 20% chance of developing venous disease, which increases to 40% with one positive parent and 90% with both parents affected.

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Answered by Advanced Vein Center

Genetics play a huge role in who develops varicose veins. You probably inherited the gene from one of your parents.We all have a 20% chance of developing venous disease, which increases to 40% with one positive parent and 90% with both parents affected.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Miller Vein

Published on Apr 03, 2013

The biggest risk factor for developing varicose veins is heredity. If both of your parents have varicose veins, your risk is about 90%. If one parent is affected, your risk drops to 50%. If neither have a history of varicose veins, your chance of developing them dips below 20%. Other risk factors include being female, pregnancy, and aging. It sounds like the last two risk factors don't currently apply to you. While there are many other factors that have been blamed as a cause for varicose veins, most are not scientifically proven at this time.

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Answered by Miller Vein

The biggest risk factor for developing varicose veins is heredity. If both of your parents have varicose veins, your risk is about 90%. If one parent is affected, your risk drops to 50%. If neither have a history of varicose veins, your chance of developing them dips below 20%. Other risk factors include being female, pregnancy, and aging. It sounds like the last two risk factors don't currently apply to you. While there are many other factors that have been blamed as a cause for varicose veins, most are not scientifically proven at this time.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Milford Vascular Institute

Published on Apr 03, 2013

The number one risk factor for varicose veins is family history. Excessive weight, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, and occupations requiring lots of standing can all aggravate the problem. Your veins would likely be worse if you did not maintain your active lifestyle.

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Answered by Milford Vascular Institute

The number one risk factor for varicose veins is family history. Excessive weight, sedentary lifestyle, pregnancy, and occupations requiring lots of standing can all aggravate the problem. Your veins would likely be worse if you did not maintain your active lifestyle.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vanish Vein and Laser Center

Published on Apr 02, 2013

There are many reasons for varicose vein formation, the most common being genetics. Sometimes, however, varicose veins and valvular insufficiency can occur without any apparent etiology.

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Answered by Vanish Vein and Laser Center

There are many reasons for varicose vein formation, the most common being genetics. Sometimes, however, varicose veins and valvular insufficiency can occur without any apparent etiology.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


General Vascular Surgery Group

Published on Apr 02, 2013

Venous insufficiency is often attributed to genetics.

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Answered by General Vascular Surgery Group

Venous insufficiency is often attributed to genetics.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


Vein Center of Orange County

Published on Apr 02, 2013

Regardless of your activities, weight, diet, parity, and lifestyle habits, you inherited the condition from someone in your family (usually a parent). There's nothing you can do to alter your genetic make-up.

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Answered by Vein Center of Orange County

Regardless of your activities, weight, diet, parity, and lifestyle habits, you inherited the condition from someone in your family (usually a parent). There's nothing you can do to alter your genetic make-up.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


VeinSolutions - Edina

Published on Apr 02, 2013

My dear, it is heredity. You are to be commended for your healthy lifestyle and fitness routine. But alas, no matter how hard you workout, or how trim you stay, or how many times you walk your dog, it will not change the fact that you are predisposed to have venous issues. Now do not misunderstand me, all that you are doing is helping greatly in minimizing the effects of venous issues (i.e.: varicose veins, spider veins, venous incompetence, etc..). If you are not already wearing compression hose, you might find them helpful. Also, consider consulting with a vascular surgeon. All the very best.

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Answered by VeinSolutions - Edina

My dear, it is heredity. You are to be commended for your healthy lifestyle and fitness routine. But alas, no matter how hard you workout, or how trim you stay, or how many times you walk your dog, it will not change the fact that you are predisposed to have venous issues. Now do not misunderstand me, all that you are doing is helping greatly in minimizing the effects of venous issues (i.e.: varicose veins, spider veins, venous incompetence, etc..). If you are not already wearing compression hose, you might find them helpful. Also, consider consulting with a vascular surgeon. All the very best.

Published on Jul 11, 2012


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