epidemiology

Last reviewed 01/2018

Varicose veins occur in young adults and incidence increases with age to 80% at 60 years.

Women are affected more frequently than men; in a study of people aged 35-70 the prevalence of varicose veins was:

• 17% in men
• 31% in women

Reference:

• 1) Franks, PJ, Wright, DD et al (1992). Prevalence of venous disease: a community study in West London. Eur J Surg, 158, 143-7.