Varicose Veins and Heart Disease

Are varicose veins associated with heart problems?

Varicose veins are not associated with heart disease and do not indicate a problem with the heart.  With varicose veins and venous insufficiency, the vein valves are weak and leaky. But, only the valves in the leg veins are affected. These valves are different than heart valves.  Additionally, heart disease often refers to problems with the arteries of the heart or the heart muscle itself, not veins. In sum, if you have varicose veins, it does not mean that you are more likely to have problems with the heart.