heart rate and compression socks

[Malhouse]

Does wearing compression socks lower heart rate

[BobD Volunteer]

I can think of no earthly reason why it should but we are all different.

[Blearyeyed in reply to BobD]

In people with orthostatic hypertension, hypotension and tachycardia problems like POTs and other Orthostatic tachycardias, compression socks and leggings can help reduce the heart rate by improving the flow of blood to and from the extremities caused by poor blood pressure and circulation.Improving the circulation with compression means that the heart does not have to work as hard to maintain normal blood pressure and blood flow therefore causing a reduction in heart rate.

This is why compression socks , leggings , tights and upper body clothing is recommended with certain causes of high heart rate which can eventually trigger arrhythmias or AF.

These garments need to be of a medical grade and are sometimes measured and supplied by the Orthopaedic Department on behalf of Cardiology in the NHS.

As part of my treatment to reduce my Tachycardia and POTs I need to wear compression leggings and sleeves, as well as using a controlled regime of water intake and slower movement.

[secondtry]

I wore them regularly when I was 50 after a DVT in my leg. At the time I wasn't monitoring my HR as it was pre AF days. The only reason I can think of HR going down is that with stockings doing some work, the heart does not have to work as hard to return the blood from your legs.

[Desanthony]

I would have thought the effect would be minimal but can see that if the heart does not have to pump so hard to get blood around the lower extremities it may make a small difference. Have you noticed any. I haven't worn compression socks since my Total Knee Replacement back in 2019 I didn't notice any difference but I am sure if I checked my wife her heart rate would have been sky high from struggling to get the socks off and on again to help me wash. What a struggle!

[opal11uk]

Compression hosiery assists circulation of blood from the feet upwards thereby alleviating the pumping pressures on the heart.

[Blearyeyed]

I added an answer by mistake in reply to Bob above.Thought I'd let you know so you could read my answer to your post.