Many people see greater height as a positive, often wishing they were taller. While some people may feel they were dealt the “short end of the stick,” so to speak, being tall is not always better. Stanford University School of Medicine recently conducted a research study with over 400,000 individuals to determine if there is a correlation between the patient’s height and varicose veins. This research study found that the taller someone is the more likely they are to develop varicose veins. This knowledge can be critical when evaluating someone’s genes and examining the link between height and varicose veins.
Factors of Varicose Veins
For those unfamiliar with varicose veins, they are swollen and twisted veins that are visible just beneath our skin tissue. Varicose veins are typically found to occur in our legs and affect over 30 million individuals in the United States alone. Varicose veins are often dismissed for being purely cosmetic but can lead to eventual health issues such as deep vein thrombosis.
Research Study and Results
Stanford University School of Medicine used a combination of genome-wide association studies and machine learning to identify over 30 genome patterns that are linked to varicose veins. Machine learning analysis is a form of artificial intelligence that can identify unknown risk factors. In addition to finding height to be a potential risk factor for varicose veins, the study also found possible links to bioimpedance, or how our body can impede the electrical current. Height has not only been identified as a risk factor but an actual cause to varicose veins. This can be due to the increased blood pressure the veins in our legs experience by having to pump blood over longer distances. Finally, the research study also confirmed information that has previously been known, including the increased risk for varicose veins for individuals who are female, older, are pregnant, or have a family history of deep vein thrombosis.
What to Do Next
If you are a relatively tall individual with a family history of varicose veins or have any of the other identified risk factors, it is important to look out for your vein health. We provide a variety of varicose vein treatments and procedures to help improve your vein health. Our state-of-the-art treatments use minimally invasive techniques to ensure your safety and quick recovery.
Vein Support from the St. Louis Laser Vein Center
Only choose the best support for your vein health needs. The St. Louis Laser Vein Center offers advanced treatments to help you get back on your feet. Call today for your free consultation and see how Dr. Wright’s team can help you achieve healthy veins again.
