Are Varicose Veins and High Blood Pressure Related?

The formation of varicose veins depends on the blood pressure level in certain veins. It is evident that hypertension can lead to varicose veins if you are diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure). The momentum pushing your blood against the vessels can result in varicose veins.

How Do Varicose Veins Affect Blood Pressure?

Untreated varicose veins can sometimes lead to a sudden serious drop in blood pressure known as orthostatic or hypotension.

Due to the pooling of blood in varicose leg veins, you may notice a sudden drop in blood pressure every time you stand after lying down for a long time. As a result, you may experience imbalance and feel dizzy or lightheaded (orthostatic hypotension).

Similarly, the venous vein causes elevated blood pressure, known as hypertension, this occurs when the venous walls weaken, and too much stress from a heavy workout elevates the blood pressure. This puts additional pressure on your veins and valves, as they have to pump the blood from the feet and legs back up to the heart.

However, some serious issues may arise when venous hypertension is present in most of your valves.

Risk Factors for Varicose Veins

If you develop hypertension in the veins, some factors, aside from genetic inheritance, that may influence you to venous hypertension include:

• Gender: Women are more likely than men to develop varicose veins.
• Pregnancy: Being pregnant can cause varicose veins.
• Birth control pills: Taking female hormone medications increases the likelihood of developing varicose veins.
• Heredity: If your family members have varicose veins, you are more likely to have them at some point.
• Age: As we age, the valves and walls weaken, and the varicose veins are more likely to develop.
• Blood Clot History: If you have thrombosis, the clot may have damaged your veins’ valves and walls.
• Vein Damage: If your vein has a history of traumatic damage, it may have become weaker, and varicose vein occurs.

Symptoms of Varicose Veins

Swollen, twisted veins, or hypertension aren’t the only indications that you have varicose veins. Other signs and symptoms of varicose veins include:

• Large, bluish or purple-appearing bulging veins under the surface of your skin
• Ankles and feet swelling
• Painful, heavy, or achy legs
• Muscle cramping in your legs
• Itchy legs, especially on your lower leg and ankles
• Burning or throbbing sensations in your legs
• Discolored patches of skin around the area where you have varicose veins

Varicose veins symptoms may vary for each individual but can provide relief if you take care of it or worsen if you keep standing for a long time.

Treatments of Varicose Veins

Although there isn’t a cure for varicose veins. These treatments can reduce their appearance and relieve discomfort. The list is as follows:

• Leg Elevation
• Supportive Stockings
• Sclerotherapy
• Laser Therapy
• Vein Surgery

Preventions for Varicose Veins

Varicose veins prevention is not in the patient’s hands, but you can reduce the chances of developing them by living an active, healthy lifestyle. Healthcare practitioners provide a few safety measures to prevent varicose veins, such as:

• Avoid standing for a long duration
• Weight Maintenance
• Avoid tobacco usage
• Avoid wearing tight clothes
• Stay Active

Why Choose North Atlanta Vascular Clinic?

North Atlanta Vascular Clinic and Veins Center has:

• Decades of experience in treating venous vein disorder
• A wide array of treatments are available in a warm and caring environment
• Same-day appointments are available

North Atlanta Vascular Clinic & Vein Center is here to give you the best diagnosis and care for all your vascular conditions. You can contact us with any questions, concerns, or comments regarding venous diseases or conditions.