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No one happily gives up their favourite habits. The
Sunday roast, fast food, taking the car to go shopping instead of walking,
evenings in front of the television are only some of the watchwords; no-one
is entirely innocent of this and, indeed, in moderation these things are not
harmful. Unfortunately, where many people are concerned, however, patterns
of behaviour have become the rule which, whilst making for a comfortably
routine, also, however, represent a risk to health. These risk factors are
incorrect diet, lack of exercise and obesity.
In the meantime, 60% of all Europeans* exhibit leg vein abnormalities. It is
assumed that these three factors are mainly responsible for the frequency of
vein disorders in Europe: |
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1. |
Our food lacks dietary fibre which
is important for bowel habits because it stimulates peristalsis. The
lack of dietary fibre leads to constipation. As a result, straining at
stool is necessary which in turn leads to pronounced pressure within
the venous system.
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2. |
Our food contains too much fat. There
are too many hidden fats, particularly in fast food and convenience foods.
This results in obesity which leads to the legs and leg veins becoming
fatigued more rapidly.
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3. |
Europeans get too little exercise. To
the vicious circle of obesity and lack of dietary fibre must be added the
fact that people get too little exercise on account of their daily routine.
Sitting at a desk, computer workplaces, standing in the showroom, often in
conjunction with lengthy drives to the workplace promotes blood stasis in
the leg veins and hence the development of vein disorders. Unfortunately,
many miss out on exercise even in their leisure time, the muscle pump is
not sufficiently activated. |
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Other risk factors which
promote the development of vein disorders:
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Tight clothing with
constricting neck or sleeve bands, adopting an incorrect posture whilst
seated which inhibits blood flow in the knee or groin region, sports which
rely on strength or heavy lifting hamper the return of venous blood to the
heart or increase pressure inside the vein. The blood becomes congested in
the legs. |
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The ingestion of hormones,
medicines to reduce blood pressure, alcohol consumption, excessive heat
can enlarge the veins and thus slow the bloodstream. The blood accumulates
in the leg veins. Besides the possibility of developing varicose veins,
there is even the risk of deep vein thrombosis. |
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Standing or sitting for too
long, the wearing of high heels or rigid soles on shoes hinder the work of
the muscle pump or completely deactivate it. |
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* Source: Dr. med. Peter Salzmann, Preventing and
understanding vein disorders, TRIAS. |
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Tips
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Help yourself: Our tips for healthy legs. |
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 more |
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