[ad_1]
"We have not only found an association between size and varicose veins, but the genetic studies we have done have shown a causal link," said the cardiologist and author of the study. Dr. Nicholas Leeper, Associate Professor of Surgery and Cardiovascular Medicine at Stanford. "This suggests that genes and pathways that drive human size are also likely to cause varicose veins."
Dr. Cheryl Hoffman, Medical Director of UCLA Health-Manhattan Interventional Intervention and Imaging Center, emphasized "the strong genetic connection".
"We know that varicose veins and venous diseases are genetic, so it makes sense that the vein walls that work in families have something to complain about," said Hoffman, who did not participate in the research.
Purplish, swollen, and twisted veins, which often look like tree branches just below the surface of the skin, varicose veins can cause pain, palpitations, and discomfort.
"A lack of movement, a pregnancy, an overweight, all this puts pressure on the veins in the lower part of the body, and blood starts to accumulate instead of moving up the veins to the heart," explained Hoffman. "Varicose veins are an extension of that."
The most serious complication is deep vein thrombosis or DVT, a blood clot in one or more of the deep veins. Deep vein thrombosis is usually characterized by pain, redness and swelling of cramps on the site, although this can occur without symptoms. PST requires immediate treatment; If one of the clots breaks off, it can cross the bloodstream and cause a potentially life-threatening pulmonary embolism or blocked blood flow to the lungs.
A proven theory
Using data from the British Biobank bank, a genetic repository of 502,619 people aged 40 to 69, Stanford researchers identified 30 genetic regions associated with varicose veins. Then they used an artificial intelligence machine model to look for previously unknown risk factors.
Out of 2,716 predictors of varicose veins, the model of the machine confirmed many established risk factors: age, family history, sex, weight, pregnancy, smoking, hormone therapy and history of deep vein thrombosis or leg surgery.
But, says Leeper, the connection to the height was surprising.
To verify this finding, the researchers used a statistical technique called Mendelian randomization to determine if size was a real cause. Of course, the analysis showed that this was the case.
"A handful of studies from 20 or 30 years ago suggested a link," said Leeper. "We do not understand it, maybe bigger people are affected by gravity or there may be something in the very wall of the ship." What's going on, we just do not know . "
Treatment of varicose veins is limited to surgical procedures such as venous catheterization or laser treatment, as well as lifestyle changes such as compression stockings. You should also avoid standing all day or sitting for long periods, such as on a plane, as this can increase blood pressure inside the veins.
The researchers hope their findings will shed light on the underlying biology that is changing in people at risk for varicose veins and allow scientists to develop new therapies.
Source link
