High blood pressure (hypertension), specifically in the portal vein, which drains digestive juices and returns them to the liver, can lead to swollen veins in the rectum, known as hemorrhoids.
Weak blood vessel function or poor circulation in the anal area can contribute to hemorrhoid development. Those with high blood pressure may be at a greater risk of developing hemorrhoids because of increased pressure in the veins.
When treating hemorrhoids with high blood pressure, be cautious with medication selection, as some may raise blood pressure. Any remedy should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use. Dietary adjustments like increasing fiber intake, staying hydrated, and avoiding straining can help relieve symptoms and manage high blood pressure.
We will discuss what hemorrhoids are and how they relate to high blood pressure, as well as the best and safest hemorrhoid treatment.
Hemorrhoid Treatment for High Blood Pressure:
There are various hemorrhoid treatment options available for high blood pressure patients. They can be divided into four categories: lifestyle changes, topical treatments, oral medications, and invasive procedures or surgeries.
Blood Pressure and Hemorrhoids: Lifestyle Changes
Lifestyle changes are the first line of treatment for both hemorrhoids and high blood pressure. They involve changing your diet, habits, and activities to reduce the strain on your veins and lower your blood pressure. You can make the following lifestyle changes:
- A high-fiber diet includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, legumes, nuts, seeds, and water. Fiber helps soften your stools and makes them easier to pass without straining.
- Maintaining hydration is essential to prevent constipation. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can dehydrate and raise blood pressure.
- Exercise regularly to improve blood circulation, strengthen muscles, and lower blood pressure. Incorporate brisk walking, cycling, swimming, or dancing into your weekly routine.
- Keeping a healthy body mass index (BMI) of 18.5 to 24.9 kg/m2 is essential if you're overweight. Obesity puts pressure on veins and increases blood pressure.
- Avoiding straining during bowel movements can worsen your hemorrhoids and raise your blood pressure. Don't hold it in. Use the toilet when you need to. Avoid using your phone in the bathroom too much. Pass stools by breathing deeply and relaxing your pelvic floor muscles.
- Use a sitz bath to soothe your hemorrhoids and reduce inflammation. A sitz bath is a shallow tub of warm water that you sit in for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day. Add salt, baking soda, vinegar, or witch hazel to the water for extra relief. Dry your anal area gently after each bath.
- Icing your hemorrhoids for 10 to 15 minutes daily will numb the pain and shrink the swelling. Ensure the ice is wrapped in cloth or towel so it does not come into direct contact with your skin.
- You can reduce hemorrhoids' discomfort by taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen. However, avoid aspirin, as it can thin your blood and increase bleeding. Also, check with your doctor if you have high blood pressure or other medical conditions before taking any medication.
- Wearing loose-fitting cotton underwear and clothing to prevent irritation and moisture buildup around your anus. Avoid wearing tight-fitting or synthetic fabrics that can rub or chafe your skin.
- Practicing good hygiene by keeping your anal area clean and dry. Use moist wipes or soft toilet paper to wipe after each bowel movement. Avoid using soap, alcohol, perfume, or other harsh chemicals that can irritate your skin.
Blood Pressure-Safe Topical Treatments For Hemorrhoids
Topical treatments are creams, ointments, gels, pads, suppositories, or sprays that you apply directly to your hemorrhoids to relieve symptoms such as pain, itching, burning, swelling, and bleeding. They usually contain one or more of the following ingredients:
- Hydrocortisone: A steroid that reduces inflammation and itching.
- Lidocaine: A local anesthetic that numbs the pain.
- Zinc oxide: A skin protectant that forms a barrier over the hemorrhoids and prevents further irritation.
- Witch hazel: A natural astringent that shrinks the hemorrhoids and stops bleeding.
- Aloe vera: A natural anti-inflammatory and moisturizer that soothes and heals hemorrhoids.
However, not all topical treatments are safe for high blood pressure patients. Use creams free from vasoconstrictors like phenylephrine, ephedrine, and epinephrine.
These substances can narrow your blood vessels and increase your blood pressure. These drugs can cause irregular heartbeats, chest pain, headaches, dizziness, and fainting.
Read the label carefully before topical hemorrhoid treatment and consult your doctor. Ensure you follow the directions on how much and how often to apply it.
Be sure to stay within the recommended dosage or duration. You should stop using it if you experience a rash, burning, bleeding, or worsening symptoms.
Oral Medications for Hemorrhoids and High Blood Pressure
Oral medications are pills or capsules you swallow to treat hemorrhoids from the inside. They usually work by softening stools, reducing inflammation, or improving blood flow. Some of the oral medications that can help with hemorrhoids include:
- Fiber supplements: The fiber supplements include psyllium, methylcellulose, and other fibers that make your stools bulkier and more accessible to pass without straining. They reduce cholesterol levels and blood pressure, which may lower your blood pressure. Follow the directions on the label and take them with plenty of water.
- Flavonoids: A flavonoid is an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compound found in fruits and vegetables, tea, and cocoa. They can improve blood vessel function, reduce inflammation, and prevent hemorrhoid recurrences. Some examples of flavonoids include diosmin, hesperidin, rutin, and quercetin.
- Calcium dobesilate: This synthetic drug can improve blood vessel elasticity, reduce capillary permeability, and decrease inflammation. It can help reduce bleeding, pain, itching, and discharge from hemorrhoids.
Consult a doctor if you have hypertension, or other health issues before taking oral hemorrhoid medication. You should also check for potential interactions with other drugs or supplements. The dose should not be exceeded, or the duration should not be exceeded. Stop taking it if you experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, rash, or allergic reaction.
Hemorrhoids and Hypertension: Invasive Procedures and Surgeries
Invasive procedures and surgeries are usually reserved for severe or complicated cases of hemorrhoids that do not respond to other treatments. They involve using instruments or devices to cut, burn, freeze, tie off, or remove the hemorrhoids. Some of the invasive procedures and surgeries for hemorrhoids include:
- Rubber band ligation: This outpatient procedure cuts off the blood supply to internal hemorrhoids in this outpatient procedure. In a week, the hemorrhoid will shrink and fall off. This procedure is effective for Grade 1 to 3 internal hemorrhoids.
- Sclerotherapy: This outpatient procedure involves injecting a chemical solution into internal hemorrhoid to make it scar and shrink. It treats Grade 1 to 2 internal hemorrhoids.
- Infrared coagulation: This outpatient procedure uses infrared light to burn and seal off internal hemorrhoids. It is effective for internal hemorrhoids in Grades 1 to 2.
- Cryotherapy: This outpatient procedure involves using liquid nitrogen to freeze and destroy an internal or external hemorrhoid. This procedure is effective for small hemorrhoids.
- Hemorrhoidectomy: This surgery involves removing the entire hemorrhoid with a scalpel, scissors, electrocautery, or laser. This surgery is effective for Grade 3 to 4 internal or large external hemorrhoids. It can be done under general, regional, or local anesthesia. It may require hospitalization and a longer recovery time.
- Stapled hemorrhoidopexy: This surgery involves using a stapling device to lift and reposition the internal hemorrhoid and cut off its blood supply. The procedure treats Grade 3 to Grade 4 hemorrhoids. Anesthesia may be administered under general anesthesia or regional anesthesia. The system may require hospitalization, resulting in a shorter recovery than hemorrhoidectomy.
High Blood Pressure Hemorrhoids: Precautions and Safety Measures
Hemorrhoid treatment with high blood pressure requires some precautions and safety measures to avoid complications and ensure optimal results. Some precautions and safety measures are:
- Before treating hemorrhoids, consult your doctor to confirm their suitability, potential risks, and outcomes. Discuss history, medication, supplements, allergies, and conditions.
- Whenever you use a hemorrhoid cream, read the label, consult your doctor, and follow the instructions carefully. Use the recommended dose and duration and discontinue if you experience any adverse reactions. Avoid applying to broken or infected skin, and wash your hands afterward. Keep children and pets out of reach.
- Infection, blood clots, tears, abnormal connections, or protrusions can result from ignoring hemorrhoid symptoms with high blood pressure. To avoid invasive treatments, seek immediate medical treatment if you have rectal bleeding or hemorrhoid symptoms to prevent other serious diseases causing rectal bleeding, such as anal or colorectal cancer.
Conclusion
High blood pressure and hemorrhoids are related and require careful management. Hemorrhoids can bleed, itch, swell, and prolapse. High blood pressure can increase anxiety in veins around the anus, making hemorrhoids more likely.
Some treatments can harm those with both conditions. Lifestyle changes and topical treatments can help relieve symptoms and improve blood flow. Invasive procedures or surgery may be necessary. Consult your doctor before starting treatment, and follow directions closely.
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