Studies reveal that Varicose Veins are linked to genetics

In a new study conducted by Oxford researchers, a critical genetic risk score had been developed to predict the likelihood of patients that were suffering with varicose veins to require surgery.

What are Varicose Veins?

Varicose veins are veins that are enlarged, swollen, lumpy, bumpy, or twisted in appearance. They often appear on the legs and can cause swelling, muscle cramps, discomfort, and aching.

Common management suggestions for Varicose Veins include wearing compression stockings, performing regular exercise, and keeping the affected area elevated when resting.

If patients are still experiencing pain or worsening symptoms of varicose veins then treatment may be required which on the NHS incudes endothermal ablation, sclerotherapy or ligation and stripping.

What was the result of the study?

The study was a collaborative effort that included the Medical Sciences Division at the University of Oxford. Researchers from the Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), the Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences (NDS) and the Nuffield Department of Women’s & Reproductive Health who worked with an American commercial, direct to consumer genotyping company called 23andMe to explore which people were more susceptible to developing varicose veins.

A two-stage genome-wide association study of varicose veins in 401,656 individuals from UK Biobank was carried out and then a replication in 408,969 individuals from 23andMe. They were able to identify 49 genetic variants that increase the risk of varicose veins. They also highlighted pathways including problems with the connective tissues of the body, and the immune system as key players in varicose vein pathology.

“The inclusion of surgeons in the research team was vital as they enabled the identification of patients whose disease was more severe, and they had therefore had surgery. This lead to the discovery of 49 genetic variants at 46 areas into the genome that predisposes to varicose veins. This breakthrough greatly improves our team’s knowledge of the biology of varicose veins, and it will be the foundation of further research into the biology and potentially new treatment.”

Lead author Dominic Furniss, Professor of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at NDORMS

“Genome-wide association analysis and replication in 810,625 individuals with varicose veins” is published in Nature Communications. You can read it here.

Many patients with Varicose Veins are struggling to get treatment on the NHS and as a result, are seeking private varicose vein surgery in order to help relieve them of their symptoms as well as improving the physical appearance of them.

The Private Clinic have carried out over 7,000 vein treatments and have a team of Consultant vascular surgeons who are all are highly experienced and able to offer patients a range of treatments with excellent results and low recurrence rates.

We offer patients:

• EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) or Endovenous laser treatment, the gold standard in vein removal with 95% success rate
• Sclerotherapy (Foam & Liquid)
• VenaSeal (minimal injection, no support tights)
• Phlebectomy (Ideal for larger veins close to the surface)

A consultation with one of our expert Consultant Vascular Surgeons will include a free ultrasound of your legs which will enable them to diagnose your varicose veins and be able to advise on the best vein treatment that will be the most minimally invasive and effective solution suited for you.

Why choose The Private Clinic for Varicose Vein Removal?

At the Private Clinic, we have over 40 years of experience providing the best and latest vein removal treatments and have treated over 7,000 patients concerned about their veins. We work with highly qualified consultant vascular surgeons who have extensive experience in their field.
In our Harley Street clinic in London, we perform all the varicose vein removal treatments listed. At The Private Clinic we provide:

• We are able to offer some of the least invasive method for varicose veins and thread veins for your legs, body and face.
• No lengthy downtime or recovery required.
• Our Consultant vascular surgeons are pioneers in EVLA (Endovenous Laser Ablation) and have treated thousands of patients.
• We focus on the underlying cause of your veins and you will only see a Consultant Vascular surgeon for varicose veins.
• The NICE (National Institute for Clinical Excellence) Gold Standard for treatment of Varicose Veins findings shows that the success rate after five years for EVLA is 95.4%.
• A consultation with one of our Consultant Vascular Surgeons costs £200, including a free ultrasound scan of your legs (usually priced between £350 and £450 at most clinics and private hospitals).
• Treatment takes one hour; you can go home shortly after being treated.
• We have been featured in several TV shows and press including Channel 4’s Embarrassing Bodies, TLC’s My Naked Secret and have been recently featured in Harper’s Bazaar’s Cosmetic Tweakment Trends for 2019.
• We have been able to restore the confidence in many of our patients by avoiding health issues and achieving great results.
• We are able to offer finance solutions with manageable payments to suit a variety of budgets.
• View our extensive FAQs
• See our previous patient stories
• View varicose vein before and after photo results
• View our varicose veins blogs for more information
• Download our varicose vein treatment brochure

Consultant Vascular Surgeons at The Private Clinic

• Mr Constantinos Kyriakides, MD, FRCS(Gen). GMC 3275436
• Mr Dynesh Rittoo, MBChB, FRCS(Eng), FRCS(Gen Surg). GMC 3556456
• Mr Charles Ranaboldo, BM, FRCS, MS. GMC Number: 2939195
• Professor Rajiv Kumar Vohra, MBBS. GMC Number: 3158700
• Mr Tahir Hussain, MBBS,MS, FRCS. GMC Number: 3242669
• Mr Rajiv Pathak, MBBS, MS, FRCS, FRCS(Gen). GMC Number: 4585309
• Mr Ferdinand Serracino-Inglott, MD, FRCSI, FRCS(Gen), DIC MSc. GMC Number: 5206200
• Mr Duncan Parry, MBChB, MD, FRCS, PG Cert Medical Ultrasound, PG Cert Medical Research, GMC Number: 4037844

The Private Clinic offers varicose vein removal consultations at our clinics in: London, Birmingham, Bournemouth, Manchester, Bexhill, Northampton and Leeds.

To find out more about varicose vein treatments or to book an veins appointment, please call 0333 920 2471 or use our online varicose vein contact form.