Harry's Health Advice ServiceHarry's Health Advice Service


About Me

Harry's Health Advice Service

Hello! My name is Harry. I must start by explaining that I am not a medical professional and none of the advice in this blog should be used to diagnose an illness. The information in this blog will help you to gain a good knowledge and understanding of many different medical conditions and procedures, but if you have any symptoms or pain, you should always book an appointment with your local GP or visit the local emergency department at your local hospital. I have learnt about various medical conditions from my uncle who is a GP. He would often explain the different cases he had seen and would let me read his medical textbooks. I hope you find my blog useful.

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5 Tips to Prevent Varicose Veins

Varicose veins are a common effect of aging, but there are a few things you can do to reduce your risk of developing this irritating condition. Start putting these five top tips into practice now to keep your veins healthy.

1. Maintain a Healthy Body Weight

According to a paper published in the European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, some studies show that obesity increases the risk of developing varicose veins, while others show that varicose veins are often more severe in obese people. Keeping your weight within the healthy BMI range of 18.5-25 may help to reduce your risk of developing varicose veins.

2. Rest Your Legs

Many people who get varicose veins have a job that involves being on their feet all day. When you spend all day standing, blood collects in the legs and puts pressure on the veins, which can cause them to expand outwards. Combat this effect by lying down and raising your feet above your heart for a short period several times a day. When your legs are higher than your heart, the blood can flow back into your body, releasing pressure on the veins in your legs.

3. Wear Compression Stockings

If your job doesn't allow you to take regular breaks to put your feet up, try wearing compression stockings instead. These are designed to apply gentle pressure to your lower legs to send blood back into your torso instead of allowing it to pool in the calves and ankles. Wearing compression stockings regularly may help to combat varicose veins.

4. Avoid Tight Waistbands

When you squeeze into pants that have a too-tight waistband, you may end up compromising your circulation. This means that your blood cannot easily flow out of your legs and back to your heart, so it pools in the veins in your lower body. Give your body a break by letting out your belt a notch or two.

5. Get More Active

Sitting still for hours on end can reduce circulation and put you at risk of developing varicose veins. Take regular breaks from your desk to get your blood moving.

Varicose veins are very common, affecting up to one in five adults. If you already have varicose veins, these tips will likely help to prevent them from getting worse, but they may not solve the problem. To get rid of varicose veins, you need to see a vascular surgeon to find out what treatment options are available for you.