- Abnormally dilated tortuous veins produced by chronically increased intraluminal pressures and weakened vessel wall support
- Veins have valves to prevent backflow -- the dilation renders them useless, allowing backflow and stasis, leading to edema, pain, and thrombosis
- Most commonly occur on the lower extremities, in women
- Risk factors:
- Obesity
- Other types of varicose veins, caused by portal
Varicose veins
Last updated: September 14, 2021