Why varicose veins can pose serious health risks? <\/strong><\/p>\n Varicose veins (medical term: varicosis) are one of the most common vascular diseases worldwide. According to studies, around <\/span>25-30 % of adults<\/b> people in industrialized countries suffer from varicose veins, with women being affected more frequently than men. The disease is often reduced to external symptoms such as tortuous, visible veins. However, varicose veins are much more than a cosmetic problem – they can be a symptom of serious venous disorders that can lead to considerable health risks if left untreated.<\/span><\/p>\n Untreated varicose veins can significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life, increase the risk of thrombosis and pulmonary embolism and, in severe cases, lead to open wounds (leg ulcers). Despite these risks, they are often underestimated, as the symptoms are usually mild at the beginning. In this article, we look at the causes, health risks, symptoms and modern treatment methods for varicose veins<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n <\/span><\/p>\n Varicose veins: More than just an aesthetic problem | Prof. Dr. Dr. Harnoss on treatment methods<\/b><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div> Varicose veins are one of the most common chronic diseases of the venous vessels. According to the <\/span>Bonn Vein Study 2003<\/b> every sixth adult in Germany suffers from varicose veins that require treatment<\/a>. The prevalence increases with age: while around 10% of 30 to 40-year-olds are affected, the proportion is around 50% in people over 70.<\/span><\/p>\n In addition to the personal limitations of patients, varicose veins also represent an economic burden. The treatment of advanced complications such as chronic venous insufficiency and leg ulcers costs the healthcare system billions every year. Early treatment could significantly reduce these costs.<\/span><\/p>\n Many patients ignore early symptoms such as swelling, pain or a feeling of heaviness in the legs, as these are often mistaken for everyday stress. In addition, the focus is often placed on the external appearance, while the underlying health risks are overlooked.<\/span><\/p>\n The venous system consists of deep and superficial veins that transport blood from the legs to the heart. The so-called <\/span>Venous valves<\/b> a central role. These act like non-return valves and prevent the blood from flowing back into the legs due to gravity.<\/span><\/p>\n However, if these valves are damaged, the blood flows back (reflux), which leads to increased pressure in the veins. This pressure stretches the vessel walls, which further impairs the function of the valves. Over time, the veins become swollen, tortuous and visible – the typical varicose veins develop.<\/span><\/p>\n Varicose veins are caused by a combination of genetic, hormonal and environmental factors:<\/span><\/p>\nWhy should varicose veins be taken seriously?<\/b><\/h2>\n
The global significance of varicose veins<\/strong><\/h3>\n
The costs of varicose veins for the healthcare system<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Why are varicose veins often perceived as a cosmetic problem?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Scientific references:<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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How do varicose veins develop?<\/b><\/h2>\n
The physiology of the veins<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Risk factors for the development of varicose veins<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Genetic predisposition<\/strong><\/h4>\n