Alcohol Consumption and Vein Health

Posted on July 17, 2023

Most of us already know that healthy lifestyle choices play a significant role in our overall health. Smoking, obesity, and a sedentary schedule are often culprits in the development of varicose veins, but did you know that alcohol can be detrimental to your vein health? While it doesn’t directly lead to vein issues, alcohol can worsen preexisting conditions, including vein complications. Let’s explore the relationship between our vascular health and excessive alcohol consumption.

Alcohol and Your Circulatory System

Heavy drinking causes long-term damage to your heart and circulatory system. In addition to an increased risk of strokes and heart attacks, overindulging in alcohol could lead to high blood pressure and an increased heart rate. When your heart rate increases, blood is pumped through the body much faster. This adds extra stress on the veins as they work to re-circulate blood. The veins in your lower body consistently fight against gravity to re-circulate blood back to your heart.

Your liver is also affected by drinking large amounts of alcohol. Because the liver cannot properly filter alcohol from your blood, the blood becomes more viscous. This invites even more strain on the already stressed veins. In turn, varicose veins become much more noticeable, primarily in your legs.

Alcohol and Varicose Veins

Many factors contribute to the onset of varicose veins, but drinking alcohol increases the likelihood of their development. It exacerbates the appearance of varicose or spider veins you’ve already developed. Additionally, indulgent drinking might lead to your legs’ swollen, purple color when varicose veins are present.

Women are more likely to suffer from vascular issues than men because progesterone and estrogen relax specific muscles that assist in blood flow. However, research shows that alcohol impacts the vein health of both sexes. Medical professionals suggest cutting back on alcohol intake for the sake of your health. If you feel that the amount of alcohol you drink is causing or worsening your well-being, it is likely time for a medical consultation.

Seeking Help for Varicose Veins

If you’re experiencing the discomfort of varicose veins, our professionals at Varicosity Vein Center are here to help. We offer services such as sclerotherapy, endovenous thermal ablation, varithena ablations, microphlebectomy, and VeinGogh to treat spider or varicose veins. Our knowledgeable team of medical providers strives to ensure the best possible care for your specific needs. Schedule an appointment with us today.