8 Reasons Your Veins Are Visible | Elmore Medical

Have you noticed that your veins have become more visible over time? Do you find your legs to be swollen, itchy and tingling?

There are many causes for visible veins. While visible veins may indicate vein disease, they might also not be anything to be concerned about. Visible veins can mean that you have a healthy body Mass Index (BMI), are exercising regularly or are experiencing warmer weather conditions resulting in your veins being more prominent. Potential Causes of Visible Veins Include:

1. Exercise

If you’ve noticed your veins are more apparent after exercising, this could be an indicator that your cardiovascular system is working properly. Weight lifting, which leads to a low BMI, often results in protruding veins as well.

2. Skin

Individuals with fair skin and hair are more prone to have more visible veins.

3. Age

Overtime skin becomes thinner allowing for your veins to become more noticeable. Loss of fat also contributes to your veins being more visible.

4. Weight

Being overweight or obese contributes to why your veins are showing more. This leads to vein issues because excess weight puts a lot of pressure and strain on your veins.

5. Family History

If you have relatives with visible veins, you are more likely to develop them as well.

6. Hormones

Hormonal imbalances can occur due to pregnancy, menopause, or other health conditions that can lead to visible veins. Your blood volume also increases during pregnancy which leads your blood vessels to expand. After giving birth your visible veins usually resolve.

7. Weather

Heat can contribute to your veins enlarging. In the heat, your vascular system has to work harder overall which causes your veins to become more prominent.

8. Prolonged Sitting or Standing

Individuals who sit or stand for prolonged periods are more likely to develop visible veins.

When You Should Worry About Your Visible Veins

As you can see, there are many reasons your veins may be more visible that don’t always indicate vein disease. However, if you have noticed new or worsening visible veins, and you are also at risk of developing vein disease, talk to your doctor for regular monitoring. You are at higher risk of developing vein disease if you have a family history of varicose veins, are over the age of 50, obese or overweight, pregnant or you sit or stand for long periods of time throughout the day.

Keep an eye on your visible veins to see if they worsen. If so, schedule a consultation at Elmore Medical to determine if vein disease is the cause.