London: Adults with varicose veins -- gnarled, enlarged veins, most commonly appearing in the legs and feet -- may be at increased risk of suffering from a blood clot that could lead to vascular diseases, a study has found.

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The study found people with varicose veins were at five times increased the risk of developing a deep venous thrombosis (DVT) -- a clot in the legs which can lead to amputation or even death, the Daily Mail reported.

They were twice as likely to develop a pulmonary embolism -- a clot which travels into the lungs and can be deadly.

They also had double the risk of peripheral arterial disease, which reduces blood flow to the arms and legs.

The study led by researchers including Pei-Chun Chen, a doctoral student from China Medical University in Taiwan, examined 212,984 patients aged 20 years and older with varicose veins, and a control group of equal patients without varicose veins. 

The results, published in the journal JAMA, showed that among adults diagnosed with varicose veins, there was a significantly increased risk of incident DVT.

Varicose veins occur when the valves in the veins break down, allowing blood to flow backward and collect at certain points.

The condition is more likely to affect the elderly as age causes the skin to lose elasticity and valves in veins to weaken.

They are also linked to pregnancy as gestation causes the volume of blood in the body to increase but reduces the flow from the legs to the pelvis.

Obesity and a family history of the condition also increase the risk.