If you’re struggling with aching, swelling, heaviness, or visible veins in your legs, you’re not alone. The latest varicose vein statistics show that millions of people suffer from vein disease.
Here, we’re discussing the latest data on varicose vein prevalence, risk factors, genetics, treatment rates, and complications to help you better understand how common vein disease is and when it’s time to seek care.
If visible veins are causing you pain or discomfort, Delaware Advanced Vein Center provides minimally invasive, cardiologist-led varicose vein treatments to help you walk comfortably and feel confident in your legs.
Ready to walk without pain and show off your legs again?
Varicose Vein Prevalence
What is the global prevalence of varicose veins?
| Area | Prevalence of Varicose Veins |
| Italy | 77.3% |
| USA | 74.9% |
| Saudi Arabia | 62% |
| Egypt | 51% |
| Japan | 45% |
| UK | 33% |
| Iran | 36% |
| New Guinea | 31.3% |
| Taiwan | 24.2% |
| Pakistan | 20% |
| Germany | 14.3% |
| China, Shanghai | 8.39% |
| Spain, Catalonia | 5.6% |
What percentage of people worldwide have varicose veins?
Up to 73% of people worldwide have varicose veins.
How common are varicose veins in developing countries?
The prevalence of varicose veins in developing countries is estimated at 29%.
What percentage of adults in the U.S. have varicose veins?
About 23% of adults in the United States suffer from varicose veins.
What percentage of adults aged 18 to 64 have varicose veins?
Varicose veins affect about 33% of the general population between ages 18 and 64, meaning roughly one in three working-age adults may experience this condition.
Varicose Veins by Age and Sex
Are varicose veins more common in women than men?
Yes. In Western nations, varicose veins are estimated to affect 10%–15% of men and 20%–25% of women.
What percentage of men and women will develop spider or varicose veins in their lifetime?
Nearly 80% of men and 85% of women will experience spider veins or varicose veins at some point in their lives.
How common are varicose veins after age 50?
Among adults aged 50 and older, around 50% of women and 40% of men are affected by varicose veins.
Does the risk of developing varicose veins increase with age?
Yes. Age is a major risk factor for varicose veins, and studies have found that the chance of developing varicose veins doubles after age 65.
Does varicose vein risk increase after age 65?
The risk of developing varicose veins doubles after age 65, with two-year incidence rates estimated at 39.4 to 51.9 cases per 1,000 people.
Varicose Veins by Ethnicity
How common are varicose veins in Hispanic adults?
A population-based study in San Diego found that varicose veins affected 26% of Hispanic participants.
How common are varicose veins in Asian adults?
According to the same San Diego population-based study, varicose veins affected 18% of Asian participants.
Family History and Genetic Risk
What percentage of varicose vein patients have a family history of the condition?
Nearly 50% of people with varicose veins have a family history of the condition.
How likely is it for a child to have varicose veins when both parents have them?
If both parents have varicose veins, children face a 90% likelihood of developing the condition.
What are the chances of a child developing varicose veins if one parent has them?
If one parent has varicose veins, daughters may have a 60% chance of developing the condition, while sons may have a 25% chance.
Varicose Vein Risk Factors
Are women with higher BMIs more likely to develop varicose veins?
Yes. Women who are moderately overweight, with a BMI between 25 and 29.9, have a 50% higher risk of developing varicose veins compared to women who are not overweight.
Are people who stand a lot at work more likely to develop varicose veins?
Yes, varicose veins are more common among people who spend long hours on their feet, including store clerks, nurses, doctors, restaurant workers, and manual laborers.
How common are varicose veins among healthcare workers?
The global prevalence of varicose veins among healthcare workers is 25%.
Varicose Vein Treatment and Management
What percentage of people with varicose veins do not wear compression stockings as recommended?
Among patients with chronic venous disease, including varicose veins, the rate of nonadherence to compression stocking regimens is around 60%.
How many adults over 50 get the treatment they need for chronic venous insufficiency?
Approximately 30% of adults over age 50 have chronic venous insufficiency, but fewer than 10% receive appropriate treatment.
Complications and Costs of Untreated Varicose Veins
How common are leg ulcers in people with varicose veins?
Venous ulceration may occur in up to 5% of people with varicose veins.
How much do US patients pay for venous ulcer treatment per year?
Chronic venous ulcerations cost an estimated $3 billion each year in the United States.
How many workdays are lost because of untreated varicose veins every year in the US?
Untreated varicose veins result in an estimated 2 million lost workdays each year.
Walk and Sit Comfortably Again with Delaware Advanced Vein Center
You don’t have to keep pushing through aching, swollen, or heavy legs.
Dr. Anthony Alfieri will identify the source of your vein issues and create a personalized treatment plan to relieve discomfort, improve circulation, and restore your comfort.
Book your consultation today and take the first step toward healthier, pain-free legs.
Sources
- Muhammad Rahil Aslam. “Global impact and contributing factors in varicose vein disease development.” August 25, 2022. PubMed Central.
- Gregory Piazza, MD, MS. “Varicose Veins.” August 12, 2014. AHA/ASA Journals.
- Vein Centre. “Varicose Vein Statistics and What It Means for You.” October 15, 2024.
- Meghal R. Antani. “Varicose Veins.” August 8, 2023. National Library of Medicine.
- Chicago Vein Institute. “Varicose Vein Statistics and What It Means To You.”
- Todd Neff. “Varicose veins are common: One in four U.S. adults has them. But, are they dangerous?” September 15, 2025. UCHealth Today.
- Qi Fan He. “Global prevalence and risk factors of varicose veins among health care workers: a systematic review and meta-analysis.” May 16, 2025. Springer Nature Link.
- Precision Medical Specialists. “The Hidden Reality of Varicose Veins: What 23% of Americans Need to Know About Modern Treatment Options.” October 23, 2025.