High Blood Pressure and Varicose Veins

High Blood Pressure and Varicose Veins

Are high blood pressure and varicose veins correlated? Yes. There is a link between the two. Varicose veins come about from “venous hypertension,” which is high blood pressure inside the vein. This hypertension is a venous circulatory problem. This high blood pressure is caused from the breakdown of valves in the veins in the legs and pelvis areas.

One-quarter of the U.S. population will have vein valves break down, usually in the legs, in their life. The breakdown of one-way values causes leakage of blood in the wrong direction. This leads to blood pooling and the bulging and creation of varicose veins. As a valve breaks, it puts pressure on the valve below it; the pressure continues to rise to high levels with each broken valve – this is venous hypertension.

Varicose veins are a vascular disease, and high blood pressure or hypertension is the persistent and abnormal elevation of pressure in the arteries that are circulating the blood around the body. This pressure puts strain on the body’s entire circulatory system. High blood pressure can even cause deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolisms (PE) to occur in the body. DVT, venous clots, form often because of the pressure in the veins –many times this happens in varicose veins. When this clot travels in the body, it can block blood supply to an orphan – this is a PE. A PE can be deadly.

Varicose Vein Treatment

Varicose veins’ effect on blood pressure and vice versa is dependent on each individual’s health, current condition, history and genetics. If you have a history of high blood pressure or have concerns about varicose veins, it’s best you talk with a vein specialist as soon as possible. Knowledge is power. Preventative care and early diagnoses lead to a healthier life. To schedule a consultation, call Dr. Zuzga of West Florida Vein Center at 727-712-3233.