Is venous disease more common with ageing? 

As we age, the body undergoes various physiological changes, and the vascular system is no exception. Venous disease, which encompasses conditions like varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), becomes significantly more prevalent as the years progress. Understanding why these changes occur is essential for maintaining mobility and preventing complications such as skin ulcers or blood clots. 

This article examines the biological relationship between ageing and vein health. You will learn about the wear and tear that affects the valves within your veins, the impact of long-term pressure on the circulatory system, and the practical steps you can take to support your vascular health in later life. By identifying symptoms early, you can manage venous disease effectively and maintain a high quality of life. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• The progressive nature of venous insufficiency and age-related statistics. 

• How the structural integrity of vein walls and valves changes over time. 

• The role of calf muscle pump efficiency in older adults. 

• Common triggers that accelerate venous wear and tear. 

• Differentiation between normal age-related leg changes and venous disease. 

• Evidence-based management strategies for maintaining healthy circulation. 

Why Venous Conditions Become More Prevalent With Age 

Yes, venous disease is much more common as people age. Clinical data indicates that while chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) affects a small percentage of younger adults, its prevalence rises sharply in those over the age of 50. By age 70, it is estimated that a significant portion of the population will have some form of visible venous change, ranging from spider veins to more advanced chronic insufficiency. 

The primary reason for this increase is the cumulative effect of gravity and pressure on the one-way valves inside the veins. Over decades, these valves, which are responsible for preventing blood from flowing backwards, begin to weaken and stretch. When they no longer close properly, blood can pool in the lower legs, a condition known as venous reflux. 

• Valve Degradation: Like any mechanical part, venous valves experience wear and tear over decades of use. 

• Vein Wall Elasticity: Ageing leads to a loss of collagen and elastin in the vein walls, making them more prone to dilation (widening). 

• Cumulative Exposure: The longer a person lives, the more time their veins have been subjected to the pressures of standing, sitting, and various health events. 

Clinical context suggests that while ageing is a non-modifiable risk factor, the severity of venous disease can be managed through lifestyle interventions and early medical support. 

Causes of Age-Related Venous Disease 

The development of venous disease in older age is rarely due to a single event but is rather the result of several intersecting biological causes. 

Specific causes include: 

• Structural Weakening: A natural reduction in the structural proteins that keep vein walls firm and elastic. 

• Decreased Calf Muscle Function: The ‘calf muscle pump’ is less effective in older adults due to age-related muscle loss (sarcopenia) or reduced physical activity. 

• Hormonal History: Years of hormonal shifts, particularly in women, can have a lasting impact on the structural integrity of the venous system. 

• Gravity (Hydrostatic Pressure): Decades of blood fighting gravity to return to the heart eventually take a toll on the veins of the lower extremities. 

Triggers for Worsening Venous Health 

While age provides the foundation for venous disease, certain triggers can cause the condition to progress more rapidly or lead to acute complications. 

• Prolonged Inactivity: Retirement or reduced mobility can lead to more time spent sitting, which removes the ‘pump’ action needed to move blood upward. 

• Weight Gain: Increased body mass puts more pressure on the pelvic veins, which in turn increases the pressure in the leg veins. 

• Chronic Health Conditions: Conditions like heart failure or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can impair the body’s overall circulatory efficiency. 

• Previous Injuries: Old leg injuries or surgeries can leave behind damaged vessels that become more problematic as the surrounding tissues age. 

Differentiation: Normal Ageing vs. Venous Disease 

It is common for older adults to notice changes in their legs, but it is important to distinguish between benign age-related changes and clinical venous disease that requires intervention. 

Feature	Normal Ageing of the Legs	Chronic Venous Disease
Skin Texture	Thinner, dryer skin (parchment-like).	Thickened, hardened, or ‘woody’ skin texture.
Colour Changes	Occasional age spots or mild paleness.	Reddish-brown staining (haemosiderin) around the ankles.
Swelling	Mild puffiness at the end of a very hot day.	Persistent swelling that may stay even after a night’s sleep.
Sensation	Generalised mild fatigue.	Heavy, aching, or burning sensation; sometimes ‘restless legs’.
Visual Signs	Fine, purple spider veins.	Bulging, twisted varicose veins or open sores (ulcers).

Conclusion 

In summary, venous disease is a progressive condition that naturally becomes more frequent with ageing due to the gradual weakening of vein valves and walls. While it is a common part of growing older, it is not something that must be accepted without management. Staying active to support the calf muscle pump, wearing compression if advised, and monitoring for skin changes are vital steps in maintaining vascular health. 

If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, call 999 immediately. 

You may find our free BMI Calculator helpful for monitoring your weight, as managing body mass is one of the most effective ways to reduce the pressure on your veins as you age. 

Authority Snapshot (E-E-A-T Block) 

This article was reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez, a UK-trained physician with extensive experience in cardiology, internal medicine, and general surgery. Dr. Fernandez has a deep understanding of vascular health and has managed both acute and chronic circulatory conditions in inpatient and outpatient settings. This guide provides evidence-based information to help older adults understand their vascular risks and maintain their well-being.