Denver Vein Center

Do Varicose Veins Run in the Family?

Last updated: May 1, 2026

Varicose veins are highly genetic

Varicose veins and venous disease do run in family. If one of your parents have varicose vein issues, the chances of you having varicose veins are 47%. This increases to 89% if both parents have the condition.

Women are more likely to develop varicose veins

Varicose veins also have a gender bias. Women are at least twice more likely than men to have varicose vein disease, and this is especially true in women who has had pregnancies. Furthermore, in moms who suffer from varicose vein issues, symptoms tend to be worse in individuals who have had more children. This is not a coincidence. Pregnancy causes huge hormonal and physiologic changes in the female body, and women who has had more pregnancies do see some cumulative effects on their varicose veins.