Varicose veins: an illness born of civilisation

In industrialised countries, between one person in two and one in three suffers from varicose veins. It is a genuine disease of civilisation which, because it constantly spreads, represents a major health problem. The main factor is a family predisposition (heredity), while other factors include pregnancy, a prolonged sitting/standing position, a lack of activity, age and being overweight.

It is a widely accepted received idea that varicose veins only represent a cosmetic or aesthetic annoyance. In reality, varicose veins which remain untreated can cause serious complications. If a venous pathology is already declared, the patient can in most cases expect to follow a long, complex and often painful course of treatment. Varicose veins do not cure themselves; in most cases, a specific treatment is essential.