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Diseases & Conditions
Are varicose veins a health risk?
Ask the doctors
Q. I have a lot of varicose veins. Do they present any sort of a health risk?
A. Varicose veins are typically viewed as a mild, non-life-threatening condition that is more of a cosmetic annoyance than a serious health problem. That said, varicose veins can be associated with some health-related issues, such as swelling in the legs, blood clots, or damage to the skin caused by pressure from the veins. They may also make you more prone to skin damage, infections, and ulcers.
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