Pathology, Contraindications & Pharmacology
Recognize risk, adapt thoughtfully, and know when to pause or refer.
Lesson 10 of 18
Cardiovascular Pathologies
Cardiovascular disorders affect the heart, vessels, and circulation. Massage decisions depend on stability, symptoms, treatment, and individual medical advice rather than a diagnosis label alone. A suspected deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an urgent medical concern, not an area to massage. Sudden chest pain, breathlessness, or fainting requires emergency assessment.
Key points
- DVT may present with unilateral swelling, warmth, tenderness, or redness, but can also be subtle or silent.
- Never massage a limb with suspected DVT; seek urgent medical evaluation and follow emergency guidance.
- Hypertension may be asymptomatic; do not infer control from how a client feels.
- Varicose veins are enlarged superficial veins; avoid direct deep pressure over them.
- Heart failure or recent cardiac events require clinician guidance and conservative positioning and pacing.
- Ask about dizziness, shortness of breath, swelling, and changes from the client's usual status.
Key terms
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
- A clot in a deep vein that may travel and cause serious harm.
- Hypertension
- Persistently elevated arterial blood pressure.
- Varicose vein
- An enlarged, often twisted superficial vein.
- Embolism
- Obstruction of a vessel by material carried through the bloodstream.
- Perfusion
- Delivery of blood to tissues.
Memory tip
One-sided new swelling? Do not knead - refer urgently.
Clinical note
Possible DVT or pulmonary embolism symptoms require emergency care. Do not use massage to treat blood pressure, circulation disease, or varicosities.
Unit checkpoint
Lock it in: match the terms, then test yourself.