What to do if blood vessels become hardened after chemotherapy
Jul 21, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Qi Zhirong
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, post-chemotherapy vascular induration may be caused by factors such as poor baseline vascular condition, excessively prolonged chemotherapy cycles, drug-induced vascular endothelial irritation, chemotherapy-related phlebitis, or thrombophlebitis. Patients can visit a正规 hospital to select general treatment or pharmacological treatment options for improvement. In daily life, patients should avoid repeated punctures at the indurated vascular site and maintain a bland diet, avoiding spicy foods.
Generally, after chemotherapy, blood vessels may become hardened due to various reasons such as poor baseline vascular conditions, excessively prolonged chemotherapy cycles, drug-induced vascular endothelial irritation, chemotherapy-related phlebitis, or thrombophlebitis. Patients can visit a regular hospital to choose from general treatments or medication therapies to alleviate these conditions. A detailed analysis is as follows:
1. Poor Baseline Vascular Conditions
Pre-existing conditions such as hypertension and hyperlipidemia can reduce the elasticity of blood vessel walls, making them more susceptible to hardening after exposure to chemotherapy drugs. It is important to control blood pressure and lipid levels in daily life and consume more dietary fiber. After chemotherapy, soaking the arm in warm water for 10 minutes each time can help promote blood circulation.
2. Excessively Prolonged Chemotherapy Cycles
Long-term and repeated chemotherapy can continuously irritate blood vessels with medication, causing repeated injury and healing of the vessel walls, leading to fibrous tissue proliferation and vascular hardening. During chemotherapy intervals, appropriately moving the arm, such as clenching fists or stretching, can be beneficial. Gentle massage along the course of the blood vessels for 5–10 minutes each session is also recommended.
3. Drug-Induced Vascular Endothelial Irritation
Chemotherapy drugs may damage vascular endothelial cells, triggering localized inflammatory reactions that cause thickening and hardening of the vessel wall, possibly accompanied by slight redness. During chemotherapy, cooperate with the nurse to adjust the infusion rate, and promptly flush the line with normal saline after chemotherapy. Under medical guidance, topical application of mucopolysaccharide polysulfate cream may be helpful.
4. Chemotherapy-Related Phlebitis
Drug-induced inflammation of the vein wall can cause vascular hardening and cord-like changes, often accompanied by tenderness and skin redness. Patients should use medications such as diclofenac sodium gel, cefprozil tablets, and venoruton tablets under medical supervision.
5. Thrombophlebitis
Following endothelial injury, blood clots may form within the vessel, accompanied by an inflammatory response, resulting in significant vascular hardening and increased pain, possibly with localized swelling. Prompt hospital visits for vascular ultrasound examinations are necessary, and treatment with medications such as warfarin sodium tablets, rivaroxaban tablets, or aspirin enteric-coated tablets should be administered under medical guidance.
In daily life, avoid repeated punctures at sites where vessels have hardened; maintain a light diet and avoid spicy foods; refrain from vigorously rubbing the hardened vascular areas to prevent worsening of the damage.
