Our blood vessels need what is called ‘shear stress’ to maintain their optimal function and tone. Exercise and any kind of movement means that blood is pushed around the circulatory system in ways that are good for the health of our blood vessels.
Bursts of activity, specifically walking, is the effect on vein health says Professor Mark Whiteley, consultant surgeon at the Whiteley Clinics in London. ‘The risk from too little activity is varicose veins which can cause discomfort and possible complications such as clots or deep vein thrombosis.
‘Vein health suffers if you don’t move. It is about moving little and often’.
