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Can Alcohol Cause Varicose Veins?
Alaska Vein Care • February 11, 2022
April is Alcohol Awareness Month, and this is a great time to talk about how it can affect your body. A lot of folks are wondering if, or how drinks might affect their vein health. While having occasional adult beverages is usually harmless, there are some things to be cautious of when it comes to varicose veins.
What Is Vein Disease?
Our blood vessels contain tiny one-way valves that allow your blood to move against gravity back to the heart. If these valves weaken, blood begins to pool up in the vessels and cause them distend outwards. This is what creates the puffy, ropey look of varicose veins. It can also create a heavy feeling, tingling, itching, and unusual fatigue in a patient's legs.
Can Alcohol Cause Vein Disease?
There is no evidence that alcohol can cause varicose veins or any other vein disease. Vein problems are usually attributed to genetics, pregnancy, long periods of standing or sitting, and severe obesity. However, alcohol can exacerbate a vein disease that is already developed.
How Alcohol Affects Varicose Veins
When alcohol enters the body, it creates a temporary increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Although the alcohol speeds up blood flow, the valves' capacity for reacting is not increased to match the load of additional blood. If a person's valves are already compromised, this extra strain is not going to be good for varicose veins. A patient may experience exacerbated visual and medical symptoms. We might notice additional bulging in affected veins, and some may experience increased itching sensations.
Another thing to be cautious of is strain placed on the liver. The liver has to work overtime to process alcohol. When the liver is overloaded with this task, it will have a hard time filtering toxins out of the body's blood supply. When the liver is preoccupied and not removing toxins, this causes the blood to become more thick and harder to move. If you add that to a circulatory system that is already struggling with vein disease, there could be a serious worsening of symptoms. The body is now trying to cope with extra blood being forced through the system, and it's thicker than usual. You can imagine how much more stress this puts on a person's blood vessels.
Unless you've been instructed to abstain from using alcohol, occasional drinks likely won't cause much of an issue if used in moderation (Visit the CDC's webpage for details on recommended alcohol consumption.) You should consult with your doctor if you have any questions about your vein health and how alcohol may affect it. Your doctor will be able to give you a good guideline for how much alcohol you can feel safe using.
Excessive alcohol use should be avoided by everyone, regardless of their current health. The risks for added stress to the body are well documented and have serious consequences. It can affect every organ in your body negatively and has serious potential to cause extra cardiovascular problems, including additional issues with varicose veins.
If you, or someone you know, is struggling with alcohol related issues or vein disease please speak with your doctor about possible treatments. For those in the state of Alaska, our clinic is always willing to answer any questions you may have about vein disease.
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Please remember that this article is intended strictly for educational purposes. Direct all medical questions to your primary care provider before starting a new diet program, exercise regimen, or any medically-related lifestyle change.
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