3 Key Ways to Prevent Varicose Veins

Various factors can cause varicose veins. Risk factors include obesity, age, prolonged standing or sitting, family history, pregnancy, and others. Some of these risk factors (i.e. family history) are harder to avoid than others. But is there a way to stop varicose veins from forming?

Unfortunately, there is no way to completely prevent varicose veins. However, you can stop existing varicose veins from worsening. Also, you can take some measures to slow the development of varicose veins.

As your trusted vein doctor in Paterson, Apex Heart and Vascular Center offers these recommendations that you should keep in mind.

1. Watch your diet and weight

   Losing excess weight can take unnecessary pressure off of your veins. Moreover, what you eat can help as well. Our cardiologist recommends a low-salt diet to prevent swelling due to water retention.

2. Avoid extended periods of sitting or standing

   Sitting or standing in one position for an extended amount of time makes it harder for blood to travel in the leg veins against gravity. This causes the pressure in your veins to rise, eventually causing blood to pool around your ankles. Move around to decrease the venous pressure and improve your blood circulation.

3. Exercise

   Make exercise a daily part of your routine. Not only can it help slow or prevent varicose veins from worsening, but it can also be beneficial for your overall health too. One of the best exercises that you can do is walking. Walking is an excellent way to promote blood circulation in your legs. Yoga is a good option as well as it can help tone the muscles in your calves and hamstrings.

The Takeaway

Over time, vein valves can get weaker which cause varicose veins to form or get worse. While you can’t do much about your family history or age, there are factors that you can control. As a leading Heart and Vascular Center in Passaic, New Jersey, we recommend for you to follow a healthy diet, staying properly hydrated, and getting regular exercise – not just for vein health but for your overall well-being too.