Questions about veins

[DanK]

I've got a few questions here, the first one is, what causes the massive veins (size not quantity) I see on some pro wrestlers and body builders, I realize to some degree it's genetic, I'm curious what causes that (age, weight lifting, cardio/sports, steroids)? I realize that people with low body fat will be veiny freaks but this is more about the size of veins than their visibility. I'm also curious if large veins are benificial or if they are more of a health problem (leading to low blood pressure or poor circulation).

Another question is more of a personal vein thing, I'm curious if it's common for the veins in one arm to be significantly smaller than the other. My left forearm veins appear "normal" to me, but my right arm the same veins are about half the size and half the distance apart. I'm not sure if those veins have always been smaller but they have been that way since I was around 10 years old, I've always been a little curious about that since I first noticed it.

 

[Mikes1]

The veins on my left arm are much more visible than those on the right. My left arm is a litle less than 1/4 of an inch smaller than the right and i'm right handed.
I don't know if the veins are smaller on one arm.
I know i didn't help you, but atleast you know you're not a freak (or the only freak)!!!

Mike

 

[DanK]

Doesn't sound quite the same, I'll have to try and get a camera shot of my wrists side by side in the morning (gonna need an assistant to take the pic).

 

[Arnold]

Vascularity is mostly genetic, although weightlifting and "leanness" will enhance it. Rich Gaspari was a good example of a bb with incredible vascularity.

As far as health, the only thing that would be unhealthy is varicose veins.

 

[cornfed]

ummm... some gear increases RBCs which could make veins dialate a lil, but genetics and BF% make the biggest difference

 

[Mudge]

Veins will enlarge for anyone who increases thier need for blood transfer, as for vascularity, as prince said it is both genetic and dietary.

 

[cornfed]

I just meant, beyond normally occurring dialation... or a continued effect beyond exertion.

 

[Scotty the Body]

Originally posted by Mudge
Veins will enlarge for anyone who increases their need for blood transfer, as for vascularity, as prince said it is both genetic and dietary.

I assume you mean Dialate and not actually grow larger?

 

[Mudge]

Uhh, I dunno doctor. I do know that hemoglobin volume increases, and so far as I know the veins also increase in size. If it is only expanding due to increased blood volume, that sounds like high blood pressure.

Maybe you are right though, I know that depending on workout regularity, at times when I was 'off' for a few months I can tell that my forearm veins will decrease in size, hmm.