How being tall can cause varicose veins

BEING tall is a key factor in suffering varicose veins, researchers said.

They examined genes of more than 400,000 Britons to find out more about what triggers the painful condition.

Despite being very common, affecting around 1 million Britons, little is known about what causes the bulging and discoloured veins. Academics used computer software to discover which factors were associated with varicose veins and said their results ‘strongly suggest height is a cause, not just a correlated factor’.

The study at Stanford University, California, added the finding was ‘very surprising’ and genes linked to height could provide clues for treatment.

The journal Circulation reported that it was also confirmed other risk factors include leg surgery, smoking, hormone therapy, family history and lack of movement. Sufferers currently have to have surgery or laser treatment.