Are varicose veins hereditary?

This question asks you to check your family. If relatives have varicose veins, does that change your own chances? Three publishers speak to it.

Family history raises the odds

Family history raises the likelihood. It is one risk factor among several, and it is not a guarantee. Tell the clinician which relatives have had varicose veins.

What three publishers say about family

Cleveland Clinic writes: "You’re more likely to get varicose veins if they run in your biological family."

MedlinePlus lists family history with other factors: "You are more at risk if you are older, are female, have obesity, don't exercise, or have a family history of varicose veins."

The Society for Vascular Surgery also lists family history among risk factors. On the visit, it writes: "A vascular surgeon will ask you about your symptoms and medical history."

The source is those passages. Our reading is practical. Family history is a question you will be asked, so collect the answer before you go.

Collect your family answers first

Ask the clinician treating you how much your family history matters next to your other risk factors. For more, see a patient guide to varicose veins, a radiology page on evaluation and treatment and questions to ask your doctor.

No odds are given

The passages do not give a percentage or name a gene. They say only that family history raises risk. A Westerville reader should treat that as a reason to be watchful, and not as a forecast.