Enlarged veins and high blood pressure

[Allie Little]

Hi,
I have recently developed high blood pressure. I am 30 years old and have been taking birth control pills for 4 years. Several months ago I got sick with a nose septum infection and  developed high blood pressure almost at the same time (138/93). My veins became visible on my face, under my eyes, all over my body.)Infection got treated, but the veins are remaining visible. I am working on lowering my blood pressure - more active life style, cardio workouts. Can enlargement of my veins be related to the blood pressure and will they disappear if the blood presure gets back in order? P.S. I have stopped taking birth control pills.

[Barbarella]

BC pills can raise blood pressure in some women.  As for your enlarged veins your BP is not that high to cause visible enlargement of your arteries.  Also, I used to have at times several blood pressure spikes over 200 systolic before I was put on BP meds, and my veins never looked enlarged anywhere on my body.  The only thing I used to see was my heart beating real strong in front of my neck in the throat area.

[Lextgrim]

I've had enlargement of veins in recent weeks too, mainly when I am warm, I never had it before.  I had a number of things, 3 infections after the birth of my son and a bad does of viral sinusitis/cold.  Since then I have had tachycardia and enlarged veins.

my GP blames stress!!!