Is there a connection between varicose veins and blood clots?

Varicose veins, those twisted and enlarged blood vessels visible under the skin, are more than just a visual concern. They can sometimes lead to health complications. But does having varicose veins mean you're at risk for blood clots?

To understand varicose veins, it's important to know how they form. They typically appear between the knee and foot [source: Mayo Clinic]. Weak or damaged valves in the veins are the primary cause. When these valves malfunction, blood that should flow toward the heart instead flows backward, pooling in the veins and creating their characteristic twisted appearance.

Superficial varicose veins, which are easily seen under the skin, impact approximately 15 percent of the U.S. population [source: USC Center for Vascular Care]. For individuals aged 50 and above, this percentage increases to 50 percent [source: National Institutes of Health]. If the body perceives the weakened walls of a varicose vein as an injury, it may trigger the formation of a blood clot. Clots form naturally when blood proteins and platelets—a type of blood cell—clump together at an injury site to stop excessive bleeding [source: American Society of Hematology].

Even if a clot forms in a superficial varicose vein, it is unlikely to dislodge and travel through the bloodstream [source: USC Center for Vascular Care]. This is reassuring because a traveling clot could reach the heart or lungs, obstructing blood flow and causing a life-threatening condition known as pulmonary embolism [source: The Merck Manuals]. However, such clots typically originate from varicose veins located deeper within the leg muscles. This condition, called deep vein thrombosis (DVT), affects over 2.5 million people annually and leads to 200,000 deaths each year due to pulmonary embolism [source: USC Center for Vascular Care]. In DVT cases, clots often form in deeper veins due to injury, medical conditions, or extended periods of inactivity.

Fortunately, if you have visible varicose veins, you may be at a lower risk of developing clots in the deeper leg veins [source: Dorothy M. Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute]. Both superficial varicose veins and blood clots can be hereditary, but regular exercise can help prevent them by improving circulation and strengthening the tissues that support your veins. Additionally, avoid sitting, standing, or crossing your legs for prolonged periods. Wearing compression stockings, which provide support to superficial veins and surrounding tissues, can also be beneficial [source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services].

Continue reading for more detailed information on varicose veins, blood clots, and other related health conditions.