why do bodybuilders always have those weird curled up veins on their biceps?
In: 4505
They are referred to as [varicose veins.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Varicose_veins) It’s primarily the result of high blood pressure from steroid use. [High levels of androgens are associated with hypertension.](https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/119417)
Other answers have said this is natural and you just can’t see the veins on most people because they aren’t lean enough, this is incorrect. Another answer suggests that bodybuilders take “nitrous oxide”; this is also incorrect – while there are sports supplements that claim to act as vasodilators and are nitrous themed, they don’t cause these veins.
EDIT: Slight correction, please see /u/TheMer0vingian’s [comment](https://old.reddit.com/r/explainlikeimfive/comments/105ng5m/eli5_why_do_bodybuilders_always_have_those_weird/j3d7ssp/) below.
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