Are varicose veins hereditary?

[Juliet123]

My sister has recently given birth to her first child and has since discovered what she thinks are varicose veins at the top of her thighs. Someone mentioned to me that varicose veins are hereditary and I wanted to know if this is true, and if so if there is any way to prevent them when I have children? Thanks.

[Dr Sarah Gray]

The tendency to varicose veins runs in families but is not directly inherited. They are more likely to be problematic after childbirth as the pregnant uterus effectively stops blood returning from the legs and the increased pressure makes the thin walled veins blow up. It is like blowing up a balloon.
Hence when you get pregnant avoid putting on too much weight, avoid a lot of standing towards the end of pregnancy and try support tights or knee highs to help the blood return from your feet.

[Mr Mark Whiteley]

Dear Juliet,

Your sister will need to have a scan to find out whether these are varicose veins and if they are coming from the pelvis. It would be sensible for her to have this before getting pregnant again to make sure they don't come back with a vengeance and subsequent pregnancies.

Varicose veins are hereditary - but that doesn't mean to say that you will definitely get them. If you are not getting any symptoms or signs, then it is probably not worth getting a scan at the moment as even if we found something, we would not treat you if you did not have any problem from the veins.

However, if you ever do start developing any symptoms or signs, then a specialist duplex ultrasound scan will reveal what is going on and direct the optimal treatment.
Best wishes
Mark Whiteley