Are Varicose Veins Genetic?

Medically reviewed by Sean K. Stewart, MD, MS, on February 21, 2025

Varicose veins are characterized by enlarged and twisted vessels, usually in the legs. They form when the valves inside the veins don’t work properly, causing blood to flow backward and build up. The pressure on the veins increases, making them swell.

Research shows that if your family has a history of varicose veins, you may be more likely to develop them as well. While genetics plays an outsized role, factors such as standing for long periods, being overweight, and not getting enough exercise are also known contributors to varicose veins.

In this blog, we examine how genetics influence varicose veins and explore how professional treatments can help manage the root condition—chronic venous insufficiency—and prevent it from worsening.

If you’re ready to get started on your path to improved vascular health, book a consultation at a Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic near you by calling 240-965-3915 or visiting our SCHEDULING PORTAL.

The Link Between Vein Disease and Genetics

According to the American Heart Association Journal of Circulation, varicose veins affect approximately 33 percent of people in the United States and are often hereditary.

Why is genetics a key risk factor in vascular health?

• Inherited Vein Wall and Valve Weakness: Your veins are made up of muscular walls and valves that work together to pump blood back toward your heart. Some people inherit weaker vein walls and less efficient valves, making it harder for blood to flow correctly. When these valves fail to close completely, blood can pool in the veins, leading to the swelling and bulging associated with varicose veins.
• Hormonal Influences: Certain hormones that regulate vein function can also be inherited. For example, women are more likely to develop varicose veins due to hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, or the use of birth control pills. Estrogen and progesterone can relax blood vessel walls, contributing to varicose vein development. If these hormonal tendencies run in your family, you may have a higher risk of developing varicose veins later in life.
• Age and Gender: While not directly linked to genetics, age and gender are important factors often influenced by inherited characteristics. As we age, our veins naturally lose some of their elasticity, which can increase the likelihood of varicose veins. Women are also more likely to develop varicose veins due to the hormonal fluctuations outlined above, especially during pregnancy when blood volume increases, and the veins are put under more pressure.

In addition to these factors, the science is sound: a study by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) discovered that if one of your parents has varicose veins, you also have a higher chance of getting them. This is because the condition follows a genetic pattern called autosomal dominant inheritance, which can be passed down from parent to child.

Other Risk Factors for Varicose Veins

While genetics plays a major role, they are not the only factor contributing to the development of varicose veins. Several other lifestyle and environmental factors can increase the risk of developing varicose veins, such as:

• Prolonged Standing or Sitting: Jobs or activities that require you to be on your feet for long periods can put excess pressure on your veins, making it more difficult for blood to flow properly.
• Obesity: Carrying excess weight puts additional pressure on your veins, which can lead to varicose veins.
• Lack of Exercise: Regular physical activity helps maintain healthy circulation and vein function. Sedentary lifestyles can worsen the symptoms of varicose veins.
• Previous Blood Clots: A history of blood clots, particularly in the deep veins (deep vein thrombosis), can damage the valves in the veins, increasing the risk of developing varicose veins.

Are you concerned that you may have a DVT blood clot? CVR offers a DVT rule-out service for same-day or next-day diagnosis and treatment plans. Call our hotline at 877-SCAN-DVT (844-568-3691).

Can Varicose Veins Be Prevented?

While genetics can’t be changed, there are proactive steps you can take to prevent or manage varicose veins, even if you are genetically predisposed. Some tips to keep in mind include:

• Exercise Regularly: Walking, cycling, and other low-impact exercise can help improve circulation and strengthen the muscles supporting the veins.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Reducing excess weight can alleviate vein pressure and help prevent varicose veins from developing or worsening.
• Avoid Prolonged Sitting or Standing: If your job requires you to sit or stand for long periods, take breaks, elevate your legs, or stretch to encourage blood flow.
• Wear Compression Stockings: Medical-grade compression stockings help promote healthy circulation by applying gentle pressure to the legs, reducing the risk of blood pooling in the veins.

Professional Treatment for Varicose Veins

Genetics or other risk factors are sometimes unavoidable, even if you take steps to prevent varicose veins. Fortunately, CVR offers a variety of professional, minimally invasive treatments to help reduce or eliminate varicose veins, providing a renewed sense of comfort to our valued patients:

• Sclerotherapy: This mild procedure involves injecting a solution into the varicose vein, causing it to collapse and fade over time.
• Endovenous Laser Treatment (EVLT): This treatment uses laser energy to target the damaged vein, causing it to seal shut and eventually be absorbed by the body.
• Ambulatory Phlebectomy: In this procedure, small incisions are made to remove varicose veins in a way that leaves little scarring.
• Radiofrequency Ablation: This procedure uses heat to close off the problematic veins, ensuring that blood is rerouted to healthier veins.
• VenaSeal: This is a brand of cyanoacrylate vein closure designed to treat varicose veins. Cyanoacrylate is the industrial name for superglue, which has numerous medical and household uses, and in vein treatment, it is utilized in the form of VenaSeal. During the procedure, a catheter is threaded into the affected vein, and the medical-grade adhesive is applied to seal the vein, leading to its closure and eventual absorption by the body.

Vein treatment by board-certified CVR vein physicians addresses the root problem of chronic venous insufficiency by targeting and repairing damaged or malfunctioning valves within the veins, restoring proper blood flow, and preventing venous reflux.

Vein Disease and Family History: Final Insights

Now we understand that genetics play a key role in determining whether you’ll develop varicose veins, but they are not the only factor. Age, gender, lifestyle, and environmental factors also play major roles. The takeaway? Being proactive about your vein health is particularly important if you are genetically predisposed to vein disease.

CVR’s board-certified physicians address varicose veins before they become more severe and cause debilitating symptoms. Our team of vein specialists offers personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs, helping you regain your vein health with every step of the personalized vein treatment process.

If you’re already dealing with varicose veins, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Professional treatment can help relieve symptoms and restore the comfort of your legs. Schedule an appointment today to take the first step toward better vein health and overall well-being.

Call 240-965-3915 or visit us online to book your consultation—and get ready to look and feel better—you won’t regret it!