The circulatory system is responsible for sending blood, oxygen, and vital nutrients throughout the human body. When the blood flow is impaired to a particular area, then that region of the body will not get nutrients and oxygen, and the person may experience signs and symptoms of poor circulation.
Poor circulation means inadequate flow to:
- The arteries providing blood to the arms and legs
- The veins taking the blood back to the heart
- The lymphatic system draining tissue fluids
- Improper blood flow affecting the entire body
Poor circulation isn’t a health condition by itself but results from several other problems and the most common include obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and arterial problems. If you observe any signs and symptoms of poor circulation, then it’s important to first treat the underlying causes than just the symptoms.
Symptoms Of Poor Circulation
The common symptoms of poor circulation include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Intense pain in limbs
- Muscle cramps
Each condition that leads to poor circulation may cause distinct symptoms, for example, a person with peripheral artery disease may have erectile dysfunction along with pain, numbness, and tingling.
Causes
There are different causes of poor circulation which include:
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): It is a type of vascular disease that results in the narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to poor circulation in the extremities, mainly the legs. Whereas atherosclerosis is an associated condition where the arteries stiffen due to plaque accumulation. Both these problems reduce the blood flow to the extremities resulting in pulsating pain.
Reduced blood flow in the extremities can cause:
- Numbness and tingling
- Weakness
- Pain
- Swelling
- Over a period, it can lead to nerve and tissue damage
Without proper treatment, decreased blood flow and plaque in the carotid arteries can result in a stroke. Carotid arteries are the main blood vessels that supply blood to the brain. If plaque builds up in the arteries of the heart, it increases the risk of having a heart attack.
PAD is common in adults over 50, but can also affect younger people and the risk of PAD is four times higher for those who smoke than non-smokers.
Blood Clots
Blood clots impede the flow of blood, either partially or completely, and can happen anywhere in the system. However, a blood clot that occurs in the arms, or legs can result in circulatory issues.
Also Read: Deep Vein Thrombosis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment
Generally, blood clots can occur for several reasons, and they can be life-threatening. In deep vein thrombosis (DVT) blood clots develop in the veins deep in the leg, which can eventually break away and pass through other regions of the body including the heart or lungs. This results in a stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism. The symptoms of DVT include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Heat in the affected area
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are enlarged veins, that appear gnarled, twisted, and engorged in the legs. They can develop when there is additional pressure on the blood vessels in the lower extremities or damage to blood vessels.
You may have the following symptoms:
- Heaviness
- Intense pain
- Burning
- Itchiness
Veins that are damaged cannot move blood as efficiently as other veins and poor circulation make it more difficult and at times blood clots can occur. However, they don’t break up and cause further problems, as with DVT.
Some of the factors that up the risk of varicose veins include:
- Older age
- More common in women than men
- Pregnancy
- Obesity
- Standing for a long time,
- Constipation
- Tumour
- A history of DVT
- Smoking
- Genetic factors
Diabetes
Uncontrolled blood glucose for a longer duration can lead to nerve and blood vessel damage, which impedes circulation throughout the system, including arms, legs, hands, and feet.
Signs include:
- Cold or numb feet or hands
- Dry skin on the feet
- Brittle nails
- Blue nailbeds
- Poor wound healing process
- Cramping
Those with uncontrolled and advanced diabetes may find it hard to identify the signs of poor circulation or wounds. Further, diabetic neuropathy can result in decreased sensation in the extremities.
Obesity
Generally, obesity increases a person's risk for circulatory issues, including:
- Varicose veins due to extra pressure in the abdomen and lower body
- Fatty accumulation in the blood vessels leads to atherosclerosis
- Inflammation
- Metabolic syndrome, including heart and kidney disease
- Nerve and vein damage due to uncontrolled diabetes
Raynaud’s Disease
People who experience chronic cold hands and feet may have a condition called Raynaud’s disease. It causes small arteries in the hands and toes to narrow temporarily in a spasm, which usually lasts for about 20 minutes. Narrowed arteries are not capable of moving blood via the system and you may observe symptoms of poor circulation. Symptoms usually occur, while you’re in cold temperatures or feeling stressed.
The risk of having Raynaud’s disease increases if:
- Your work involves vibrations, for example, while operating tools
- Aged over 60 and have obstructive vascular disease
- Certain drugs
- History of hepatitis B or C
- Have fibromyalgia
Diagnosis
Poor circulation can be a symptom of numerous conditions, and your doctor may need to do these tests to find out the root cause.
- Complete physical examination
- Collect medical history and other symptoms
- Any family history of circulatory
Furthermore, they may also suggest some of these tests:
- An antibodies blood test to check inflammatory conditions, such as Raynaud’s disease
- Blood tests for blood count, blood sugar, kidney function, and cholesterol
- Blood testing to measure D dimer in the case of a blood clot
- An ultrasound or CT scan
- Blood pressure tests, including testing the legs
Treatment
The healthcare provider will determine the treatment for circulatory problems by identifying the exact cause. Generally, the doctor may suggest treatment options to ease symptoms that include:
- Compression socks for painful, swollen legs
- An exercise regimen to improve blood circulation
- Lifestyle modifications to help control diabetes
- Laser or endoscopic vein surgery for varicose veins
- Medications
Preventive Measures
Some natural remedies for circulatory problems that may help improve blood circulation include:
- Exercising regularly
- Consuming a balanced and wholesome diet
- Maintaining weight
- Quitting smoking
