Why do valves malfunction?

Valves may malfunction due to either destruction of the valves or dilatation of the veins so that the valve edges don’t meet properly. Although we do not know why this happens, we do know that there are certain things that are related to such findings. These predisposing factors include:

• Age - aging causes wear and tear on the valves in your veins. Eventually this wear and tear causes valves to malfunction, not close properly, and leak. 

• Gender - women are more likely than men to develop the condition. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, pre-menstruation, or menopause may be a factor. Female hormones can relax vein walls and cause dilatation of the veins. Taking hormone replacement or birth control pills may increase your risk of varicose veins. 

•  Genetics - varicose veins tend to run in families. 

• Obesity - being overweight causes more pressure in lower extremity veins and encourages dilatation and leakage. 

• Standing for long periods of time causes blood to pool in the lower extremities and encourages dilatation and incompetence (or leaking) of the valves.