What causes extremely prominent veins?

Damaged veins: While certain things such as high cardiac output excercise can cause large veins that are normal, the most prominnent veins are varicose veins. Veins carry blood from the legs back to the heart and contain one-way valves to keep the blood from flowing backwards. Varicose veins result when the vessel walls weaken or the valves fail, allowing the backwards flow of blood. Leads to large, ropey veins.

Heredity: The prominent veins present in the arms and legs are inherited. The prominent veins in the legs can cause symptoms of leg pain, swelling, restless legs, cramping, heaviness, and fatigue. This may be due to venous insufficiency, and check out www.Phlebogy.Org and seek advice of a phlebologist in your area.

Hydration: The veins in the body are a reflection of the total blood volume and degree of individual hydration and genetics. Veins may enlarge or decrease depending on over or under fluid volume changes in the body. Medical problems with the liver, kidneys or heart can also affect the blood volume but these are un common in an otherwise healthy person. If the problem persists, then see a medical doctor.