Varicose veins are more commonly seen in which group?

• A. Women
• B. Men
• C. Children
• D. Elderly

Answer: (A)

Varicose veins develop when the valves in the leg veins don’t close properly, allowing blood to pool and veins to enlarge. They occur more in women because hormonal and pregnancy-related factors weaken vein walls and increase venous pressure. Estrogen and progesterone can relax the connective tissue and vein walls, making valves more prone to malfunction. Pregnancy adds blood volume and pressure on leg veins, and the growing uterus can compress pelvic veins, raising the pressure that pushes blood downward into the legs. Hormonal changes from birth control or hormone replacement therapy can also raise risk. While age, obesity, prolonged standing, and family history increase risk for everyone, the combination of hormonal factors and pregnancy makes women more commonly affected. That’s why the correct group is women.