How common is venous disease and varicose veins?
Chronic venous disease of the legs is one of the most common conditions affecting people. Approximately half of the U.S. population has venous disease – 50 to 55% of women and 40 to 45% of men. Of these, 20 to 25% of the women and 10 to 15% of men will have visible varicose veins. Varicose veins affect 1 out of 2 people age 50 and older, and 15 to 25% of all adults. People without visible varicose veins can still have symptoms. The symptoms can arise from spider veins as well as from varicose veins, because, in both cases, the symptoms are caused by pressure on nerves by dilated veins.
