Can weather changes or altitude worsen varicose veins?

Varicose veins are generally (and mistakenly) regarded as being a condition that only affects a small percentage of the elderly population. Although it is very difficult to accurately gauge the exact numbers, perhaps it will come as a shock to learn that not only is it an incredibly common issue – recent studies estimate that 20% of the global population will suffer from varicose veins at some point in their lives^[1] but that it is also an affliction by no means limited to only the oldest within society. However, despite it being so prevalent, there is surprisingly little accepted common knowledge about how external factors can impact chronic venous disease including varicose veins.

That’s why, if you’re planning to travel   but you don’t know how to choose your next destination, in this article we help you to decide based on how different climates can affect varicose veins. For instance, it is known that heatwaves can make venous insufficiency worse , but what about other extreme weather changes and altitudes? What are the effects of altered pressure on varicose veins?

Find out if mountain or beach destinations are better for venous diseases, and how different temperatures can impact blood circulation in the legs.

Are hot or cold temperatures better for varicose veins?

Generally speaking, it is considered that hotter temperatures are better for varicose veins than colder ones (since winter months can increase blood pressure thus decreasing blood flow).^[2]

As such, it is widely accepted and known that ambient temperature can have a significant impact on the rate of our blood flow, and the worsening of chronic venous disease such as varicose veins.

Even though cold weather seems to be a culprit in the heightened appearance of blood circulation problems and hot temperatures have been used as a localized therapy to improve chronic venous insufficiency,^[3] it seems that extreme temperatures overall, whether colder or hotter, can have a negative impact on the blood circulation of the legs, as shown below.

Altitude and its effect on varicose veins

The highs: Mountain destinations

Less commonly taken into consideration, altitude also plays an important part in how our body and veins adjust to external ambient factors. It is estimated that close to 40 million people go to high altitude locations every year, such as mountain trips, but little is known about the physical effects of altitude on the body, especially for those suffering from varicose veins of chronic venous insufficiency. These are some of the most common effects of high altitudes on the body^[9]:

• Increased ventilation
• Increased pressure in the pulmonary arteries
• Increased activity of the sympathetic system
• Tachycardia
• Increased blood pressure
• Reduced plasma volume
• Increased blood viscosity

However, altitude does not only affect mountain trips, since long-haul airplane trips may also cause some similar, although less severe, effects on the body due to altitude. However, since the cabins are pressurized, the effects are not always present, although it is estimated that 86% of all travelers can suffer from lower-limb edema due to an increased capillary filtration, and reduced space and mobility.^[8]

According to studies done on the so-called exposure to high-altitudes, the environmental conditions caused by high altitude such as hypoxia (low levels of oxygen), dehydration, hemoconcentration, low temperature, and the use of constrictive clothing are risk factors that can cause the appearance of thrombotic disorders, while also worsening venous insufficiency diseases such as varicose veins.^[10]

The lows: Destinations by the sea

So, if mountain peaks present their own dangers and potential risks to those suffering from venous insufficiency diseases such as varicose veins, what about the other end of the spectrum? With the Mariana Trench being even deeper than Mount Everest is tall – what about scuba diving?

While studies are hard to find, there seems to be a general consensus that since diving puts a greater strain on our blood flow, it is recommended that diving candidates over the age of 45 should undergo a thorough medical evaluation prior to plunging into the depths. At the same time, there does exist quite an extensive list within the guidelines of who should not dive.^[11]

Overall, altitude and pressure are unlikely to have a life-threatening effect on chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins. The best destinations for those suffering from varicose veins include places with milder climates and not too high in altitude. However, since weather changes can have an impact, sometimes worsening the disease, it is always advisable to seek the opinion of your doctor if you are planning to travel to destinations that are renowned for extreme weather conditions.

Forever being mindful of the fact that chronic venous disease such as varicose veins are degenerative conditions, there are precautionary measures and treatments available, such as venotonic medications that can efficiently improve the tone of the veins, and effectively stop the development of more serious issues, such as the formation of a Deep Vein Thrombosis.