Thinking of getting some new ink? Wondering if it’s safe for your heart? Tattoos can be a fun and powerful way to express yourself, but if you have heart disease, you need to be extra careful.

This article will explore the risks, considerations, and safety tips that people with heart disease should keep in mind when getting a tattoo.

Heart Disease and Tattoos: Risks To Consider

There are certain risk factors that people with heart disease need to consider before getting a tattoo.

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Infection Risk

When you get a tattoo, the needle breaks your skin. This means skin infections and other health problems could develop afterward.

An infection may happen if ink is contaminated or equipment isn’t sterilized correctly. In rare cases, an infection related to body art can lead to infective endocarditis, an infection that affects the inner lining or valves of the heart.

People with certain congenital (present at birth) heart conditions, prosthetic heart valves, a history of endocarditis, or some valve problems may have a higher risk of serious outcomes from endocarditis.

To avoid infections, be sure to choose a clean, reputable tattoo studio and follow proper aftercare. In general, tattooing is not a procedure that requires preventive antibiotics. However, you can ask your doctor if they would recommend antibiotics.

Bleeding and Medications

Many people with heart disease take medications like anticoagulants (blood thinners). Blood thinners can lower the risk of blood clots, but they can also make you bleed and bruise more easily both while getting a tattoo and after.

“I would love to get a small tattoo, but I bruise too easily now,” one MyHeartDiseaseTeam member wrote.

If you take an anticoagulant, getting a tattoo may not be recommended because it could lead to severe bruising or infection. In some cases, your doctor may decide it’s OK for you to pause your medication so you can get your tattoo.

“I would love to get a small tattoo, but I bruise too easily now,” one MyHeartDiseaseTeam member wrote.

Never stop or change heart medication on your own. Tell your healthcare provider about your tattoo plans so they can help you decide what is safe for you.

Changes in Blood Pressure and Heart Rate

You may wonder if you can get a tattoo if you have hypertension, or high blood pressure. For some people, getting a tattoo can be stressful or painful. Anxiety can trigger temporary rises in blood pressure, and acute pain can raise blood pressure.

If you have hypertension or another condition that makes blood pressure spikes risky, ask your doctor before booking a tattoo appointment. Your doctor can help you decide whether it is safer to wait or take other precautions.

Allergic Reactions

Some people are allergic to tattoo ink. If you’re allergic to tattoo ink, you might experience itching, swelling, bumps, blisters, skin crusting, or leaking fluid in the tattooed area. Red ink is often linked with allergic reactions.

In rare situations, people develop serious reactions that can be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical care if you have trouble breathing, chest tightness, dizziness, a racing heart, intense swelling, or severe pain.

Tattoo Safety and Aftercare Tips for People With Heart Disease

Preventing health complications from a tattoo requires careful planning, from choosing the right parlor and artist to practicing proper aftercare. Here are a few tips to stay safe when getting a tattoo.

Choose a Good Tattoo Parlor

Make sure the tattoo parlor is clean, uses sterile equipment, and has well-trained employees. Tattooing rules and licensing vary by state, so you can check local rules through your city, county, or state health department before choosing a studio.

Ask whether the tattoo artist uses sanitary equipment and new single-use ink cups. Ask whether reusable equipment is sterilized in an autoclave, which is a heat-sterilization machine.

Follow Sterile Practices

The tattoo artist should wash their hands, wear a fresh pair of disposable gloves, and use sealed needles and tubes.

These practices help reduce the chance of bacteria entering your body.

Keep the Tattoo Clean and Moisturized

After getting your tattoo, wash it gently with soap and water. Most tattoos take about two weeks to heal, though timing can vary.

“I got a tattoo on my arm,” one MyHeartDiseaseTeam member shared. “Had to be extra diligent about keeping the tattoo clean to prevent infection.”

Apply a mild moisturizer as recommended by your tattoo artist or healthcare provider. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends water-based lotion or cream for dry tattooed skin. Petroleum-based products, such as petroleum jelly, can fade tattoo ink.

Avoid Sunlight and Water

Keep your tattoo out of direct sunlight and avoid swimming or soaking in any bodies of water until it heals completely.

Watch for Signs of Infection

Some skin discoloration, swelling, soreness, clear fluid, itching, flaking, and scabbing can be part of normal healing. If you notice any signs of infection, like pus or fever, contact your doctor right away. Treating an infection early is crucial to preventing serious complications.

If you’re unsure if your skin is showing signs of infection, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t be embarrassed to reach out to your doctor for guidance.

Join the Conversation

On MyHeartDiseaseTeam, people share their experiences with heart disease, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Do you have a tattoo? Let others know in the comments below.