Washington Esthetician State Board Practice Exam

Which treatment is contraindicated for clients with cardiovascular issues?

1. Light therapy

2. Microcurrent treatment

3. Electrical muscle stimulation

4. Chemical peels

The correct answer is: Electrical muscle stimulation

Electrical muscle stimulation is contraindicated for clients with cardiovascular issues because it involves the use of electrical impulses to stimulate muscle contractions. These electrical currents can potentially interfere with the normal electrical activity of the heart, posing risks for individuals with heart conditions or other cardiovascular problems. For people with compromised cardiovascular health, the use of such treatments can lead to various complications, including the risk of arrhythmias or increased cardiac workload. In contrast, light therapy, microcurrent treatment, and chemical peels generally have broader safety profiles for clients with cardiovascular concerns. Light therapy typically employs low-level energy that doesn't significantly impact heart function. Microcurrent treatment, while it does use electrical currents, operates at a much lower frequency and intensity than electrical muscle stimulation and is usually considered safe for most clients, though caution may still be warranted. Chemical peels may impact the skin but don’t directly affect the cardiovascular system, although an assessment of the overall health of the client is always necessary.