What Are Veins?
Veins are blood vessels that carry blood with low oxygen content back to the heart. They are an important part of the body’s circulatory system. Nearly 75% of the total blood in the body is present in the veins at all times.
Veins are usually visible on everyone’s hands, especially near the wrists. Some people have slightly bulging veins in their arms. These are common scenarios that do not have to be a cause for concern. But in some cases, people with veiny hands may experience discomfort and pain. In such situations, getting the right medical help is essential.
People with veiny hands need to be vigilant and observe sudden changes in the color or appearance of their veins. This is because these changes may be an indicator of an underlying medical issue.
Causes Of Veiny Hands
While few people are concerned about the visibility of their veins, others prefer to think of them as a sign of strength.
Here are some common reasons why you might have veiny hands:
- Genes: If there are family members with veiny hands, then there is a strong possibility that you have inherited them.
- Exercise: People who exercise more usually have bulging veins on their arms and hands. Hand exercises also play a vital role in the appearance of veiny hands.
- Dehydration: Veiny hands are one of the symptoms of dehydration, as the lack of fluids causes the veins to bulge.
- Age: The appearance of veiny hands is more common in older people. This is because as the body ages, the skin tends to become thinner, making the veins more visible.
- Low body fat or weight: Veins are more visible in people with low body fat or weight. It is because there is a thinner barrier of fat between the skin and the veins.
- Heat: Extreme heat can cause the body to pump blood faster as a coping mechanism. Due to this sudden change, the veins become bulging and more visible.
When To Seek Medical Help
Sudden changes in the appearance of the veins or the onset of pain are indicators of an underlying medical issue.
A few medical conditions that can cause veiny hands are listed here.
- Phlebitis: Inflammation can cause bulging, visible veins in the patient’s hands. This can be a result of infection, trauma, or the onset of autoimmune disease.
- Varicose Veins: Varicose veins can appear on the hands as well, as weak vein valves cause them. Patients suffering from this condition have painful, enlarged veins that often twist themselves. This happens as the veins become unsuccessful in stopping reverse blood flow.
- Superficial Thrombophlebitis: This medical condition is caused by inflammation due to blood clots. It usually happens due to vein injuries caused by the insertion of IV catheters and other such procedures.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis: The appearance of a blood clot deep in the veins of the hand is called deep vein thrombosis. This condition causes the veins to bulge, giving the appearance of painful, veiny hands.
- Variations In Blood Pressure: People suffering from high blood pressure notice bulging veins when their blood pressure fluctuates. This issue can be resolved with the right medication.
Conclusion
Veiny hands are a common phenomenon and are not a clear indicator of medical issues. But people who are facing discomfort or pain due to their bulging veins should seek medical care.
References:
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23360-veins#:~:text=What%20are%20veins%3F,the%20blood%20in%20your%20body.
- https://veinreliever.com/visible-hand-veins-and-why-you-have-them/
- https://www.metroveincenters.com/blog/what-do-veiny-hands-mean
- https://www.veinvascular.com/vein/bulging-hand-veins-what-can-be-done/
- https://www.healthline.com/health/hand-veins#causes
- https://www.viaveincenter.com/blog/bulging-veins-on-your-hands-why-they-pop-out