Silent Epidemic: Varicose Veins Become India's Fastest-Growing Lifestyle Disorder

Varicose veins are swollen, bulging veins that often appear on the legs.

For a long time, people thought they were just a normal part of getting older.

Doctors in India now say many more people have them than people once believed.

About 33 million Indians between the ages of 40 and 80 have varicose veins.

That is 22 million women and 11 million men.

Overall, about 15 to 20 out of every 100 adults in India may have them.

Around the world, up to 23 out of every 100 adults are affected.

Women get varicose veins more often than men.

Now doctors are seeing the condition in younger people in their 30s and 40s.

That is why it is being called a growing health problem rather than just a beauty issue.