Health encyclopaedia

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Varicose veins

Varicose veins are swollen, irregularly shaped veins that most commonly appear in the legs. They happen because the valves in the veins are not working properly to keep the circulation of blood flowing in the veins.

Varicose veins in the legs affect about 1 in 5 adults, and are more common in older women. They usually develop slowly and may run in the family. Although varicose veins can be embarrassing and uncomfortable they’re not usually a risk to your health.

Varicose veins can also develop in the internal organs such as the lower end of the gullet (oesophageal varices) and in the veins from the testicles (varicocoele). Hemorrhoids are varicose veins around the anus.

• Symptoms
• Causes
• Treatment
• Diagnosis
• Prevention

• VaginismusVaricose veinsVasectomyVertigoVisual impairmentVitiligo

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