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High blood pressure and leg pain

Updated - April 14, 2023
04:00 Minute read

Leg aches, pains, and cramps?

It’s a bothersome sensation that can easily be put down to simply feeling our age.

But did you know that leg pain can be a sign of high blood pressure (or hypertension), a serious condition that almost eight million adults in Canada are affected by1. And it’s estimated that half the people suffering from high blood pressure are not diagnosed or receiving treatment.

So don’t ignore your leg pain - it could be sending you a lifesaving message to get your blood pressure checked. And the good news is that there are many ways to reduce high blood pressure once you know you have it.

Read on to discover how high blood pressure and leg pain are connected and how to tackle the problem.

What is high blood pressure?

Our hearts pump blood around the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients. As the blood moves, it pushes against the sides of our blood vessels - the strength of this pushing is our blood pressure.

When our blood pressure is too high, it’s harder for the blood to move around, putting extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this can lead to problems including heart attacks, stroke, kidney disease, and some forms of dementia.

How does high blood pressure cause leg pain?

In healthy people, the vessels carrying blood from our hearts to the rest of our body are strong and flexible, with a smooth inner lining.

But high blood pressure changes this. The high pressure within the vessels causes small tears that roughen the smooth inner lining, allowing fatty substances passing through the blood to latch onto them.

Over time, this can lead to blood vessel walls becoming lined with fatty deposits, known as plaques, which decrease circulation to the legs. The blood vessels in the legs becoming clogged in this way is known as Peripheral Arterial Disease or PAD.

Illustration of normal artery, plaque build up artery and blocked arteryIllustration of normal artery, plaque build up artery and blocked artery

Telltale signs of PAD

  • Aches, pains and cramping
    As the blood flow to the legs decreases, your nerves and muscles aren’t receiving the oxygen and nutrients they need. This can cause pain or cramps in our calf, thighs, or buttocks, especially after exercise.
  • Leg tiredness
    Feeling as though your legs are too tired to walk as far or fast as you once did may indicate claudication, a type of leg pain specifically associated with PAD. It often begins with leg pain while walking, which improves with rest and recurs when you start walking again.
  • Visible changes
    Loss of leg hair, discoloration of the skin, and cuts, grazes or ulcers that take a long time to heal can all be signs of decreased circulation. And if your legs and feet are frequently swelling, then high blood pressure may have already started contributing to heart disease.
  • Changes in sensation
    Cold hands and feet can signify poor circulation due to high blood pressure, and a weakened pulse in the feet can sometimes cause a burning sensation, or numbness and tingling.
Revitive advert for relieving your leg pain with Revitive products Revitive advert for relieving your leg pain with Revitive products

What can I do to reduce my blood pressure?

If you think your aching legs could be a sign of high blood pressure, the most important step is to see your doctor or other healthcare professional as soon as possible to have it tested - it’s the only way to be sure.

Testing for high blood pressure is quick, simple, and painless. And if you are found to have it, don’t panic! Your doctor may prescribe medication, lifestyle changes, or both - there are many effective ways to reduce your blood pressure, and in some cases, the condition can be reversed completely.

Lifestyle changes that may reduce high blood pressure

  • Manage your stress
    Stressful situations only increase your blood pressure temporarily. But feeling stressed over a long period of time can lead to unhealthy ways of coping, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, or overeating - all of which can contribute to high blood pressure.
  • Cut down on salt 
    This promotes water retention - the extra fluid in your body can raise your blood pressure, forcing your heart to work harder.
  • Eat food containing nitrates 
    Several studies have demonstrated that nitrates offer a long-lasting reduction in blood pressure. Vegetables rich in nitrates include leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce, rocket, radishes, and parsley.
  • Get moving 
    According to health canada Adults between 18-64 should 'be active at least 2.5 hours a week. For an activity to benefit your health, you need to be moving enough to raise your heart rate, breathe faster, and feel warmer.

Revitive® Circulation Booster® is clinically proven to increase circulation during use and it is indicated to:

  • Reduce pain and discomfort in the legs, ankles, and feet­ caused by poor circulation (Peripheral Arterial Disease).
  • Improve circulation in the legs - caused by Peripheral Arterial Disease.
  • Increase walking distance before the onset of claudication symptoms (pain) caused by Peripheral Arterial Disease.

Discover my perfect Circulation Booster 

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