If you are a woman in her 40's, you may have come across the term venous hypertension at least once. The term means that there's high pressure in the veins of the legs, also referred to as venous insufficiency or reflux disease. For men, venous hypertension tends to develop at a much later age.

This is primarily a condition where the veins in your legs get compromised. Blood struggles to reach the heart when you have this condition. Instead, blood ends up collecting in the veins in the legs.

Blood build-up in the veins in the legs is often visible in the form of varicose veins or discoloration and ulcers in the legs — the best way to put your mind at ease is by consulting a doctor who is well-versed in vascular medicine.

Risk Factors Associated with Venous Hypertension

Age is the primary risk factor associated with venous hypertension. As mentioned, females are likely to suffer from this condition most commonly in their 40's and men much later.

Pregnancy alters weight distribution and adds pressure to the abdominal area, which contributes to the condition. It would come from the extra weight exerting pressure on vital organs, blood vessels, and muscles. When this happens, your body has to work harder to ease circulation throughout your body.

Smoking is well known for its many harmful effects on the body, which include venous hypertension. It impacts antithrombotic and prothrombotic factors, which have a direct relation to central blood pressure. Overweight individuals are also likely to suffer from the disease.

Signs and Symptoms

It's hard to miss the signs of venous hypertension. Some of the symptoms, like a blood clot, are only discoverable by a medical practitioner.  Here are more signs and symptoms that you have venous hypertension.

• Dull pain in the legs accompanied by heaviness
• Leg cramps and itching
• Thick and hard skin on the legs
• Blood clots
• Swollen legs and ankles
• Varicose veins
• Discoloration on legs
• Ulcers on legs

Treatment

Science has allowed physicians to explore various courses of treatment for venous hypertension.  During your consultation, your doctor will recommend treatment after considering risk factors like age and your physical status.

Prescribed Medication

Medication is available for treating venous hypertension and targets improving blood flow in the veins. Diuretics help the body get rid of excess fluid. Also, you may be prescribed anti-inflammatories or blood thinners which drop the chances of blood clots.

Surgery

An extreme case of venous hypertension is treatable with surgery. The surgical approach focuses on repairing weak veins or eliminating damaged veins.

The most common surgical style that doctors apply involves using a small mesh (stent) to widen veins. Alternatively, you can choose to have a ligation where the doctor cuts off supply to particular veins.

Non-Surgical Procedures

Non-surgical methods of treating venous hypertension are minimally invasive. One of our board-certified vascular physicians can advise you better on what to expect out of the procedures. Some of the most common non–surgical approaches include:

1. Laser therapy - Your physician repairs weakened veins using lasers.
2. Ablation - It involves heat or chemical application to eliminate damaged veins.
3. Phlebectomy - This procedure is where the doctor makes small incisions in the skin to remove damaged veins.
4. Sclerotherapy - The doctor injects foam into the damaged veins to shut them down.

Home Therapies

You can take control of the conditions yourself at home. It may take time for the home remedies to work, but they do work eventually. You may:

• Start a healthy skin routine
• Keep your legs elevated above the heart
• Start wearing compression stockings

Should You Rush to Treat Venous Hypertension?

Any condition that undermines the normal circulation process should have your full attention. When looking at treatment alternatives, you have the freedom to explore various options.

Since the extent of the condition is a determinant of the kind of treatment you receive, it's better to undergo examinations as soon as you start noticing the symptoms.

Contact us to learn more about venous hypertension.