High Blood Pressure and Varicose Veins

High blood pressure is correlated with the severity of varicose veins. (1) Varicose veins are caused by the improper flow of blood in your veins which can lead to vein walls weakening, thinning and bulging outward. High blood pressure, on the other hand, occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is too high. These conditions can be exacerbated when they occur together. What’s more, the combination of high blood pressure and varicose veins can have a significant impact on your overall health and quality of life. 

If you suffer from both high blood pressure and varicose veins, it is important to seek medical attention from a trusted specialist like Dr. David Naar. As a board-certified vascular surgeon, Dr. Naar has extensive experience in treating varicose veins using minimally invasive techniques that offer patients quick relief with little downtime.

Don’t let high blood pressure and varicose veins affect your daily life. At Premier Vein Clinic in Westlake, Ohio, Dr. Naar will evaluate your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs. Our state-of-the-art facility offers the latest technology in vein treatments. Contact Premier Vein Clinic at (440) 641-0433 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Naar today.

Before and After Photos

High Blood Pressure

An estimated 31% of the global population suffers from high blood pressure. (2) Also known as hypertension, is a common condition that can have serious consequences if left untreated. Blood pressure readings above 130/80 mmHg are considered high and increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Risk factors include: 

  • Age 
  • Gender 
  • Ethnicity 
  • Family History 
  • Obesity 
  • Sleep Apnea 
  • Diabetes 
  • High Cholesterol
  • Smoking

Lifestyle changes such as diet, exercise, stress reduction, and smoking cessation can help lower blood pressure. Patients can also monitor their blood pressure at home using a blood pressure monitor. Medications such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, beta-blockers, diuretics, renin inhibitors, alpha-blockers, and vasodilators may also be prescribed by a physician.

Venous Insufficiency

The vascular system is a vital part of our bodies, responsible for the transportation of blood, oxygen and nutrients to various organs and tissues. The veins are an essential component of this system, playing a crucial role in returning blood from the extremities back to the heart and lungs. However, sometimes, the veins may not function correctly, leading to venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency affects the veins valves in our legs, causing them to leak, leading the leg muscle to pump blood back to the heart ineffectively and  inefficiently. This condition can lead to swelling, leg pain, skin discoloration, and even open sores.

Chronic Venous Hypertension

Chronic venous hypertension occurs as a result of venous insufficiency. It’s a condition that affects blood flow and cardiovascular health, leading to a range of complications. If left untreated, chronic venous hypertension can significantly impact your quality of life.

At Premier Vein Clinic, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to providing personalized care and effective treatments for chronic venous hypertension, high blood pressure, and varicose veins. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step towards improved health and well-being.

How Is Venous Insufficiency Treated?

Treatment for venous insufficiency can vary depending on the severity of the condition. In mild cases, lifestyle changes such as exercise, weight loss, and elevating your legs can help improve symptoms. Compression stockings may also be recommended to improve blood flow. In more severe cases, minimally invasive procedures such as radiofrequency venous ablation or sclerotherapy may be necessary to close off damaged veins and redirect blood flow.

Benefits of Vein Treatment

If you have high blood pressure and varicose veins, seeking treatment can help improve your overall health and well-being. Here are some of the benefits you can expect:

  • Improved circulation: Varicose veins can impede blood flow to the chest, leading to high blood pressure. By treating varicose veins, Dr. Naar can help improve circulation, ability to exercise and lower blood pressure.
  • Reduced pain and discomfort: Varicose veins can cause heaviness, swelling, aching, and cramping in the legs. Treatment can alleviate these symptoms and improve your quality of life.
  • Enhanced appearance: Varicose veins can be unsightly and embarrassing. Treatment can improve the appearance of your legs and boost your confidence.
  • Minimally invasive procedures: At Premier Vein Clinic, we offer minimally invasive treatments that require little to no downtime or recovery.
  • Customized treatment plans: Dr. Naar will work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs and goals.
  • Increased mobility: Varicose veins can make it difficult to move around comfortably. Treating them can improve your mobility and allow you to enjoy your favorite activities without pain or discomfort.

Don’t let high blood pressure and varicose veins hold you back. Contact Premier Vein Clinic today at (440) 641-0433 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Naar and learn more about your treatment options.

Candidates

If you have been experiencing the uncomfortable symptoms of varicose veins, it is important to seek medical attention from a qualified physician. At Premier Vein Clinic, Dr. Naar can help determine the right course of treatment for you.

Address symptoms such as leg pain, swelling, or visible veins. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Naar today to discuss your options.

Personal Consultation

High blood pressure can exacerbate the symptoms of varicose veins and increase the risk of complications. Therefore, it is crucial for Dr. Naar to evaluate your blood pressure before recommending any treatment options. In some cases, managing high blood pressure alone may improve the appearance and discomfort of your varicose veins.

If further treatment is necessary, Dr. Naar will recommend a personalized treatment plan based on your unique needs. Depending on the severity of your condition, treatment options may include minimally invasive procedures such as sclerotherapy or radiofrequency venous ablation. These treatments are performed in-office and require little to no downtime.

Preparation

When it comes to treating varicose veins, high blood pressure can be a complicating factor. At Premier Vein Clinic, we take your overall health into consideration when planning your treatment. That’s why we recommend taking these preparatory steps before your procedure:

  • Talk to your primary care physician about managing your high blood pressure prior to the procedure
  • Follow any medication instructions provided by your doctor to ensure you are in good health for the procedure
  • Refrain from smoking or using nicotine products for at least two weeks before the procedure and throughout recovery
  • Arrange for transportation to and from the clinic on the day of your appointment
  • Plan to avoid strenuous activities while recovering from the procedure

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure the best possible outcome for your varicose vein treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about preparing for your procedure, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team at Premier Vein Clinic.

Varicose Vein Procedures

Endovenous Thermal RF Ablation

Endovenous Thermal RF Ablation is a minimally-invasive treatment option for those who suffer from varicose veins and venous insufficiency. This technique uses thermal energy, or radiofrequency ablation (RFA), to close the saphenous vein permanently. This outpatient procedure involves inserting a catheter into the affected vein under local anesthesia, then using heat to create a lesion in the vein wall, causing tissue damage and closure of the vein. The body naturally reabsorbs the closed vein over time, allowing blood to reroute to healthy veins.

Sclerotherapy

Sclerotherapy is a non-invasive treatment that effectively eliminates unsightly spider veins and varicose veins. During sclerotherapy, a medication is injected into the affected vein. This medication causes the vein to collapse and eventually fade away. The procedure typically takes less than an hour, and most patients can return to their normal activities immediately afterward. Depending on the severity of your condition, several sessions may be required to achieve optimal results.

Recovery & Results

After undergoing varicose vein treatment at Premier Vein Clinic, it is important to follow the post-procedure guidelines provided by Dr. Naar. Rest is recommended for the first few days after treatment, and you should avoid strenuous activities for a few weeks afterwards. Compression stockings may be prescribed to help manage swelling and improve circulation in the affected areas.

We will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and ensure that you are healing properly. It is important to attend all scheduled appointments and to communicate any concerns or unusual symptoms with Dr. Naar.

Cost of Varicose Vein Treatment in Westlake, OH

Insurance may cover the cost of treatment in many cases. During your initial consultation with Dr. Naar, he will evaluate your condition and provide a personalized treatment plan that fits your needs and budget. Don’t let financial concerns prevent you from seeking relief from the discomfort and health risks associated with high blood pressure and varicose veins. Contact us at (440) 641-0433 to schedule your appointment with Dr. Naar today.

Read more about vein health on Dr. Naar’s blog.

FAQ

Does high blood pressure affect varicose veins?

Yes. High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, can cause varicose veins or worsen existing ones. When blood pressure is high, the veins in the legs have to work harder to push the blood back up to the heart, causing them to dilate and weaken over time. This leads to the development of varicose veins, which are swollen, twisted veins that appear blue or purple under the skin.

Can high blood pressure medications affect varicose veins?

Some high blood pressure medications, such as diuretics, can worsen varicose veins by reducing fluid levels in the body and increasing the workload on the veins. Other medications, such as calcium channel blockers, may have a beneficial effect on the veins by improving circulation. It is important to discuss any concerns about medication side effects with your healthcare provider.

Do varicose veins go away on their own?

Varicose veins typically do not go away on their own and may worsen over time if left untreated. However, there are several effective treatment options available that can improve the appearance and symptoms of varicose veins, including sclerotherapy, endovenous laser therapy, and ambulatory phlebectomy.

References

  1. Antani MR, Dattilo JB. Varicose Veins. PubMed. Published 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470194/#:~:text=%5B16%5D%20Moreover%2C%20venous%20hypertension 
  2. Mills KT, Stefanescu A, He J. The global epidemiology of hypertension. Nature Reviews Nephrology. 2020;16(4):223-237. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41581-019-0244-2 
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