Are varicose veins the same as having a blood clot?

No: Varicose veins are veins that have become enlarged and have poor valvular function. These can happen over time and are most commonly seen in the legs, although they can technically occur anywhere. There are many causes & risk factors, including age and pregnancy. A blood clot, also called a thrombosis, is blockage of a vessel and is different from a varicose vein.

No: Varicose veins are dilated veins which are not clotted. However, they can clot and cause a "superficial venous thrombosis" or "phlebitis". When this happens the veins go from being soft and non-tender to cord-like, lumpy, red, inflamed and painful to touch. Typically we do not give blood thinners to people who have clotted their "superficial" veins, only when they develop clots in their deep veins.

Related diseases: Leg blood clots, also known as deep vein thrombosis, may cause a life threatening blockage of a lung artery (pulmonary embolus). Clots can also damage vein valves and lead to swelling, heaviness and varcosities.

NO: Varicose veins are superficial veins whose valves are no longer functioning, and thus blood pools in gravity-dependent positions in the legs, causing dilation and tortuosity. They can cause pain and swelling, esp if infected (thrombophlebitis). Blood clots occur in deep veins that you can't see by the naked eye; these are dangerous as the clots can travel to the lung.

No: Persons who have varicose veins or a vein problem called venous insufficiency or reflux with no varicose veins on their skin, may get a dvt, deep vein thrombosis or blood clot from the venous pooling, called venous hypertension. All patients with vein disease should wear medical compression and see a vein specialist.

Not the same: I agree with all the other answers that have been given, varicose veins and blood clots are not the same. On rare occasion, prominent veins can appear because of a blood clot. More frequently (but still uncommonly), a blood clot can develop because of varicose veins.

Totally Different.: Varicose veins are ropey, cord-like and even grape-like enlarged veins in the legs. These are due to malfunctioning valves usually in the saphenous veins leading to backup of blood and increased venous pressure. A blood clot is congealed blood in a vein. It can be either in a superficial vein or a deep vein. Superficial clots are less serious and deep clots are usually require blood thinners.