Is There a Connection Between Heart Problems and Varicose Veins?

Medically reviewed by Mohammad Khalilullah, MD, and Tuan-Anh Vu, MD, on July 3, 2025

If you’re experiencing leg pain, swelling, or varicose veins, you may wonder: Is this just a consequence of aging, a simple cosmetic issue, or is something more serious at play? Worse, could your vein problems be putting your heart at risk?

The truth is, while varicose veins are not a direct cause or symptom of heart disease, research shows that both conditions share similar risk factors, and that your vein health can provide important clues about your overall cardiovascular health.

Bottom line: Don’t ignore the signs your body is giving you.

At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), our vein doctors can pinpoint the root cause of your vein symptoms and create a personalized treatment plan to improve your leg health and overall well-being.

For this blog, we consulted CVR vein physicians Mohammad Khalilullah, MD, DABVLM, lead physician at CVR’s vein center in Winchester, Virginia, and Tuan-Anh Vu, MD, lead physician at Center for Vein Restoration vein clinic in Fair Oaks, Virginia, for more information and expert advice.

To book a consultation with either of these vein specialists, or any of CVR’s other 110+ vein clinics nationwide, click on the link below ⬇️ or call CVR at 240-965-3915.

What Causes Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are enlarged, twisted veins that you can often see just under the skin, especially on your legs. They’re caused by venous insufficiency, a condition in which the valves inside your leg veins stop working properly. These valves normally keep blood flowing in one direction—back to your heart. When they weaken or become damaged, blood can pool in your legs, leading to bulging veins, swelling, leg pain, heaviness, and even venous leg ulcers in more severe cases.

According to the AHA Journal Circulation, chronic venous disease (CVD) is a widespread yet underrecognized condition, affecting 25 million adults in the U.S., with over 6 million experiencing advanced stages. Its most visible early signs include telangiectasias, reticular veins, and varicose veins, but as it progresses, symptoms can escalate to chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), leading to leg pain, swelling, skin changes, and even venous ulcers. Many people may not even be aware that they have the condition.

Diagnosis relies on clinical exams and imaging, with duplex ultrasound being the gold standard. Treatment is tailored by disease stage. Compression therapy remains the cornerstone of conservative management. For more severe or refractory cases, minimally invasive options like sclerotherapy and endovenous ablation offer symptom relief and improved healing.

Expert Vein Care Starts Here

Chronic venous disease affects millions, but you don’t have to manage it alone. At CVR, our board-certified vein doctors use advanced diagnostics and proven treatments to restore comfort, mobility, and confidence. Contact us now to schedule an evaluation and see how expert care can make a difference:

📞 Call CVR at 240-965-3915
📅 Or book online HERE

The Link Between Varicose Veins and Heart Disease

Although varicose veins themselves don’t cause heart problems, researchers have noticed an interesting overlap between vein disease and heart conditions.

One study reported by the National Library of Medicine (NIH) found a “marginally higher prevalence of congestive heart failure (CHF) in persons with varicose veins than in those without.” In other words, people with varicose veins may be at a slightly increased risk of developing congestive heart failure (CHF), even if one doesn’t directly cause the other.

Why might this be? In a blog by Johns Hopkins Medicine, experts explain that long-term plaque buildup in the arteries can cause inflammation, which may lead to heart attacks or strokes. However, it’s not clear that chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition that affects the veins, has a direct link to clogged arteries. While inflammation does play a role in CVI, that doesn’t mean the inflammation from CVI harms the arteries.

While the relationship is not one of cause and effect, it’s important to remember that both heart and vein problems often arise from the same risk factors:

• Age
• Obesity
• Lack of physical activity
• Smoking
• High blood pressure

That’s why maintaining vein health is an essential part of your overall wellness plan, especially if you’re at risk for heart disease.

When Vein Disease Leads to More Serious Complications

If left untreated, varicose veins and venous insufficiency can lead to more than just cosmetic concerns. Complications include:

1. Venous Ulcers

A complication of untreated varicose veins, these painful open sores develop when blood pressure builds up in the veins, causing the surrounding skin to weaken. They’re challenging to heal, especially in people with existing heart conditions or diabetes.

In a large study reported in the journal Phlebology, 17,000 individuals with leg vein problems (chronic venous insufficiency) were examined to determine if certain heart and lung conditions increase the risk of developing venous leg ulcers. It found that people with conditions like atrial fibrillation, right-sided heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, and diabetes were more likely to develop these painful leg ulcers, especially older adults and men. The researchers suggest that individuals with leg vein issues should also be evaluated for heart and lung problems, as addressing these conditions may help prevent ulcers or improve healing.

2. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

DVT is a serious condition in which a blood clot forms deep within a leg vein. If the clot breaks off, it can travel to the lungs and cause a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal condition.

A review in the Journal of Vascular Surgery: Venous and Lymphatic Disorders ties DVT specifically to venous reflux, noting:

“Varicose veins have been recognized as a risk factor for deep vein thrombosis (DVT).”

Your Legs Could Be Telling You Something. Listen!

Varicose veins and leg swelling aren’t just cosmetic; they could be early signs of deeper vein problems that share risk factors with heart disease. Get checked by a Center for Vein Restoration (CVR) vein specialist and take control of your vascular health.

Let a board-certified CVR vein specialist evaluate your circulation and create a personalized plan for healthier legs—and a healthier you.

How to Prevent Varicose Veins and Protect Your Heart

The good news? You can take steps to reduce your risk of both vein and heart problems. Start with the basics:

• Stay active. Walking, swimming, and biking all promote healthy circulation.
• Eat a balanced diet. Reduce your sodium intake, increase your fiber intake, and focus on consuming heart-healthy fats.
• Maintain a healthy weight. Extra weight puts added pressure on your veins and heart.
• Avoid sitting or standing too long. If your job requires either, take movement breaks.
• Elevate your legs. Raise your legs above heart level a few times a day to reduce swelling.
• Wear compression stockings. These help your veins push blood back toward the heart.

Compression stockings are especially helpful for individuals with mild vein problems or those who spend long periods sitting or standing. Your CVR vein specialist can help you find the right type and fit for you.

Questions? Call a CVR Patient Services Representative for more information about compression therapy at 240-965-3915.

When to See a Vein Doctor

If you’re noticing varicose veins, spider veins, leg pain, or swelling, don’t brush it off as “just getting older.” These could be signs of venous insufficiency, which, if caught early, is much easier to treat.

Today’s vein treatments are minimally invasive, performed as an outpatient, often covered by insurance, and require little to no downtime.

Options include:

• Endovenous laser treatment (EVLT) or radiofrequency ablation (RFA) – uses heat to seal faulty veins.
• Sclerotherapy – injections of a medical solution cause problem veins to collapse.
• VenaSeal – a medical adhesive closes the problem vein.
• Ambulatory phlebectomy – a minor outpatient procedure to remove veins through small incisions.

Your CVR vein expert will recommend the best option based on your symptoms and goals.

A Vein Checkup Could Protect Your Whole Health

Your veins play a crucial role in maintaining the smooth flow of blood back to your heart. And even while varicose veins don’t indicate heart disease, they’re still a sign that something’s not working quite right in your circulatory system.

If you're concerned about your leg health or overall circulation, don’t wait. Early intervention can prevent complications and may even reduce your risk of heart disease.

At Center for Vein Restoration (CVR), America’s largest physician-led vein center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating vein disease. Our board-certified vein doctors have helped more than 200,000 patients find relief from leg pain, swelling, and visible veins. With more than 110 CVR vein centers nationwide, expert care is near you.

📞 Call 240-965-3915 to speak with a caring Patient Services Representative
🌐 Schedule your appointment online below ⬇️