You've got those spider veins creeping over your legs and you'd like them gone. Then you think about your blood pressure. If you've got hypertension, you might be wondering can people with high blood pressure have sclerotherapy?
The answer is often yes. Hypertension doesn't automatically disqualify you. It's more to do with how well your blood pressure is controlled, your other medical conditions and your medications.
CAN PEOPLE WITH HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE GET SCLEROTHERAPY?
In many cases yes. Sclerotherapy in the presence of hypertension is often feasible when your blood pressure is well controlled and your general health is such that an elective procedure is appropriate.
During sclerotherapy a clinician injects a solution into the selected veins. The solution irritates the lining of the vein so that the vein subsequently closes and fades. Your blood then flows through the healthier veins.
Clinicians will look at your overall health rather than just the diagnosis of hypertension. It may well be that your blood pressure is well controlled and therefore no treatment is required.
On the other hand, if it is very high or uncontrolled then a medical review may be needed or there may be a delay. Your injection solution, your medical history and the type of veins you have will all be factors in determining your plan.
WHY DOES BLOOD PRESSURE MATTER PRIOR TO A VEIN TREATMENT?
High BP often causes no symptoms at all. You can be perfectly well and have no idea what your blood pressure is doing.
When it comes to high blood pressure and vein treatment it's worth separating the two. Hypertension doesn't in itself cause all the spider veins and treating the veins won't reduce your blood pressure.
Other health factors are of course relevant too (heart disease, kidney disease, previous blood clots, circulation problems etc.). Uncontrolled HTN is going to be of concern in any procedure and would merit a medical assessment prior to any elective treatment.
Take your recent readings with you and let your clinician know of any associated symptoms.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DISCUSS BEFORE BOOKING SCLEROTHERAPY?
Use this checklist to prepare for your sclerotherapy consultation:
Blood pressure: share your latest readings and let us know if they're variable.
Medications: List any blood pressure medication, blood thinners, other prescribed medications and any supplements.
Medical history: any history of heart disease, any history of blood clots, any history of kidney disease or vascular disease.
Present symptoms: Chest discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness or unusual swelling of the legs.
Treatment aims: Do you want to treat the spider veins, the small varicose veins or the discomfort?
Don't stop or alter any of your prescribed medication without speaking to your clinician first. They may well require medical clearance or further assessment prior to you making any changes.
CAN SCLEROTHERAPY BE COMBINED WITH OTHER VEIN TREATMENTS?
The correct approach will depend on the size and position of your veins and whether you have an underlying vein problem. Other possible approaches may include:
Compression stockings may be of some assistance in terms of recovery or symptom management if they're recommended.
Ultrasound guided vein assessment can pick up on problems in the deeper veins which may require a different approach to treatment.
Walking and regular movement help to maintain general circulation and will break up the long periods of sitting.
Compression and any further procedures will require an individual assessment (particularly if you have any other cardiac or circulatory problems). None of this in any way replaces proper blood pressure management.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS AND WHAT HAPPENS AFTER TREATMENT?
Common temporary effects are bruising, tenderness, inflammation and skin discoloration. Less common complications are blood clots and skin injury.
Recovery instructions will typically include walking, wear compression stockings (if prescribed) and attending your follow-up appointments.
If your pain increases, you notice any unusual swelling or you do see signs of infection (warmth, redness) then you should contact your provider.
Chest pain, sudden shortness of breath or other signs of a medical emergency require immediate emergency care.
WHY START WITH A CONSULTATION AT BEYOND HEALTH MEDSPA IN MIAMI?
You get the chance to go through your visible veins, your blood pressure, your medications and your personal goals in a consultation. Beyond Health MedSpa has over 15 years' experience and will give you personalized advice and realistic expectations. If required we can refer you on for further medical or vascular assessment.
If you're looking at spider vein treatment in Miami then get in touch with Beyond Health MedSpa to book your consultation.
MAKE YOUR VEIN TREATMENT DECISION WITH CONFIDENCE
Hypertension doesn't automatically rule you out for sclerotherapy. Your blood pressure is managed and your general health will be the determining factor. You start with an individual assessment and then you can proceed with confidence.
