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Perhaps you have noticed some visible veins on your body? You may be thinking, what are they, and why might I have them? Here, we hope to help you understand the link between spider veins and genetics to as well as discuss how best to avoid developing them in the first place.
Also known as thread veins or by the medical term telangiectasias,1,2 spider veins are clusters of small capillaries that run close to the skin’s surface1,2. Spider veins are usually blue or red and are most commonly found on the face or legs, although they can develop anywhere in the body.
Spider veins are thought to form as a result of tiny capillaries following a route of least resistance (which is close to the skin surface) as they grow through the dermis of the skin. They are believed to do this because their walls, which are made largely of collagen, are weakened to the extent that the pressure of blood in them is able to form bulges in the vessel wall and the capillaries basically then grow in the direction of the bulge!4,5,6.
Capillaries are extremely thin, branching blood vessels that allow oxygen, nutrients and waste to move between the blood and surrounding tissues7. Weakened blood vessel walls are a result of compromised or weakened collagen and they can develop into spider veins, through ageing, prolonged standing or sitting, and pregnancy.8 They may also weaken as a result of an injury or medical condition8. Additionally, there is the possibility that spider veins may sometimes be due to a genetic condition8.
There is still some uncertainty around whether spider veins are hereditary; however, there is some evidence to suggest that having a family history of the condition increases the likelihood of developing it at some point8. Accordingly, some research has found that9 90% of people with spider veins have a close relative who is also affected10. This may explain why many women with spider veins have somebody in their family, usually a female relative, who shares the condition8.
If you, or someone in your family, has a circulatory problem you may have an increased predisposition to spider veins. An example is chronic vascular insufficiency or CVI11,12 Our veins have one-way valves that ensure the blood doesn’t back up13.
In chronic venous insufficiency, the valves in the leg veins don’t function properly, making it difficult for the blood to return to the heart14. As a result, blood leaks backward. Unlike spider veins, CVI is a serious condition that can cause leg pain, swelling and ulcers14. The capillaries in the legs can burst if chronic venous insufficiency is left untreated15. Some research has shown that this condition could be hereditary12.
If varicose veins run in your family, you may also have an increased risk of developing spider veins12,16. Varicose veins are usually blue or purple, appear enlarged and twisted, and can be surrounded by spider veins16,17. Some people with varicose veins may experience leg pain, tiredness, and swelling. If you suspect you have varicose veins and have not sought medical advice, we strongly recommend you see your GP.
If there is a family history of spider veins or any vein related conditions, it’s normal to be concerned about the prospect of developing spider veins yourself. However, while you may not be able to completely eliminate the risk of developing spider veins, there are a number of relatively easy steps you can take to reduce the likelihood.
Regular exercise is a great start. Physical activity, particularly walking and running, can help improve blood flow in your legs18. A diet which includes protein, vitamins, minerals and essential fatty acids, all help support blood vessel health. It’s important to include plenty of fibre from fruit, vegetables and whole grains,18 (apples, lentils, avocados, whole grain pastas are good options) as well as reducing your intake of excess salt where possible18.
Think about your lifestyle when considering preventative steps. If you must stand for prolonged periods, consider shifting your weight from one leg to the other from time to time; if you are sitting, get up and walk around for a few minutes every 30 minutes or hour8,1.
There are other useful strategies you can employ: wearing sun protection (UV rays cause skin ageing through the creation of free radicals which causes inflammation and enzymes in the dermis called MMP`s speed up the degradation of collagen), wearing support stockings and low-heel shoes; and avoiding crossing your legs, to prevent injuries that can lead to damage to the capillaries or veins18.
Ultimately, if you are concerned about your spider veins or worried about any genetic predisposition you may have, get in contact with a medical professional who can further advise you on the next steps to take. To educate yourself further on vein health, and how you can reduce the risk of spider veins, please feel free to take a look around our website or get in touch with one of our Nutrition Advisors.
References
1. Weiss R. Varicose veins and spider veins. Medscape Drugs and Diseases. 2016. Accessed 20 February 2017 from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1085530-overview#showall
2. NHS Choices. Varicose veins. 2014. Accessed 20 February 2017 from http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/Varicose-veins/Pages/Whatarevaricoseveins.aspx
3. National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. Vein problems related to varicose vein. 2016. Accessed 20 February 2017 from https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/vv/related
4. Braverman IM. The cutaneous microcirculation. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2000;5(1):3-9. Accessed 21 February 2017 from http://www.jidsponline.org/article/S0022-202X(15)52851-0/fulltext
5. Pietrangelo A. Causes of spider veins. 2012. Accessed 20 February 2017 from http://www.healthline.com/health/spider-veins#Causes3
6. Mayo Clinic. Varicose veins. Symptoms and causes. Accessed 20 February 2017 from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/symptoms-causes/dxc-20178128
7. University of Leeds. Capillaries. Accessed 22 February 2017 from http://www.histology.leeds.ac.uk/circulatory/capillaries.php
8. University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Health. Spider veins/Frequently asked questions. Accessed 21 February 2017 from http://venouscenter.ucla.edu/body.cfm?id=24
9. MSD Manual Consumer Version. Overview of genetic disorders. Accessed 20 February 2017 from http://www.msdmanuals.com/home/women-s-health-issues/detection-of-genetic-disorders/overview-of-genetic-disorders
10. Mujadzic M, Ritter EF, Given KS. A novel approach for the treatment of spider veins. Aesthet Surg J. 2015;35(7):NP221-9. Accessed 21 February 2017 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4551823/#SJV004C6
11. Henke PK. Chronic venous insufficiency. Society for Vascular Surgery. Accessed 22 February 2017 from https://vascular.org/patient-resources/vascular-conditions/chronic-venous-insufficiency
12. Fiebic A, Krushe P, Wolf A, et al. Heritability of chronic venous disease. Hum Genet. 2010;127(6):669-74. Accessed 22 February 2017 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2871097/
13. Douketis JD. Overview of the venous system. MSD Manual Consumer Version. Accessed 22 February 2017 from https://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/home/heart-and-blood-vessel-disorders/venous-disorders/overview-of-the-venous-system
14. Douketis JD. Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Postphlebitic Syndrome. MSD Manual Professional Version. 2016. Accessed 22 February 2017 from http://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/peripheral-venous-disorders/chronic-venous-insufficiency-and-postphlebitic-syndrome#v941385
15. Cleveland Clinic. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI): Symptoms & Diagnosis. 2015. Accessed 22 February 2017 from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/chronic-venous-insufficiency/symptoms-diagnosis
16. Douketis JD. Varicose veins. MSD Manual professional version. 2016. Accessed 22 February 2017 from http://www.msdmanuals.com/en-gb/professional/cardiovascular-disorders/peripheral-venous-disorders/varicose-veins#v11675854
17. Cleveland Clinic. Varicose veins. Accessed 22 February 2017 from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/varicose-veins
18. Womenshealth.gov. Varicose veins and spider veins. 2017. Accessed 22 February 2017 from https://www.womenshealth.gov/a-z-topics/varicose-veins-and-spider-veins
Lorena Tonarelli M.Sc. is a health journalist and medical writer with over 10 years of experience in covering the latest developments in disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Her work appears in national newspapers such as the Times and the Guardian, as well as magazines and websites for healthcare professionals and decision makers in the pharmaceutical industry.
