Etiology and Pathophysiology of Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are caused by either primary or secondary disease. According to Gloviczki et al,[3] primary venous disease, the most common cause of varicose veins, occurs as a result of an internal biochemical or morphologic abnormality of the vein wall. A prolonged period of standing is an important factor that leads to an intrinsic morphologic abnormality and progressive dilation of the superficial leg veins.[1,5] According to Matfin,[5] standing for long periods of time raises the venous pressure in the leg veins as a result of the hydrostatic effect that occurs in the standing position and the absence of the calf muscles helping to pump blood back to the heart. The absence of the calf muscles aiding in the pumping of blood back to the heart leaves the work completely to the veins, which become stressed and incompetent over time. The vein wall becomes progressively dilated and elastic, thus leading to valvular damage and incompetence.[2]