Signs of Poor Circulation

August 1, 2023

3 min read

Signs of Poor Circulation

Good blood circulation is vital to the body's fitness and health. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the different cells, improving the body's functioning, especially the internal organs like the heart, liver, skin, and immune system.

Narrowing the pathways can slow down blood flow depriving the vital organs of oxygen they need.

Causes of Poor Circulation

Poor circulation can happen because of the following reasons.

Diabetes: Diabetes occurs because of the high glucose content in the blood that can damage the lining of the blood vessels, disrupting blood flow.

Diabetes also increases the risk of peripheral arterial disease that causes abnormal narrowing of arteries in the leg and feet. This leads to poor circulation, slower wound healing, and a potential loss of digits.

Smoking: The chemicals in cigarettes can cause inflammation in the cell lining of the blood vessels impairing circulation.

Obesity: People with obesity are at an increased risk of developing diabetes, cardiovascular diseases that can lead to poor circulation.

High blood pressure: Increased blood pressure makes it challenging for the heart to pump. The added force in the circulatory system can strain the blood vessels weakening them and causing poor circulation.

High blood pressure is also related to high levels of cholesterol and plaque buildup in the blood vessels.

High cholesterol: People with high cholesterol can have a buildup of plaque in the blood vessels that impairs blood circulation.

Atherosclerosis: Also known as hardening of the arteries, the disease can cause a blockage in the arteries leading to poor circulation.

Reynaud's syndrome: A condition that occurs when the blood vessels in the extremities narrow, slowing down blood circulation. Reynaud's syndrome can happen as an abnormal reaction to cold or stress and even tobacco use.

Autoimmune disease: Autoimmune diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis can cause vasculitis, which causes inflammation in the blood vessels obstructing the blood flow.

Immobility: Sitting for too long, like on long flights, can disrupt blood flow in the lower limbs, causing deep vein thrombosis and impairing circulation.

Deep vein thrombosis: It occurs when a clot develops due to poor circulation in the deep veins in the legs, causing swelling and pain.

Heart failure: Congestive heart failure happens when the heart cannot maintain blood flow. The condition can cause a backup of blood and fluid around the heart.

Signs of Poor Circulation

Here are some signs of poor circulation.

Fatigue: Blood circulation directly affects energy levels as the body's functioning depends on how much nutrients it receives from the blood.

Digestive problems: Your digestive system gets its nutrients from the blood. Poor circulation can disrupt digestion causing constipation, stomach pain, and diarrhea.

Swelling: You may have swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet from poor circulation. Swelling or edema happens when blood pools in one area of the body. You can experience heaviness or stiffness and pain in the swelling area.

Cramps: Muscle cramps may occur due to a lack of supply of oxygenated blood because of poor circulation.

Tingling, numbness, and discomfort in the limbs: One of the primary symptoms of poor circulation is tingling in the arms and feet. When blood struggles to reach the extremities, it can cause an uncomfortable sensation of pinpricks with cold hands and feet.

Skin changes: Poor circulation can often cause the appearance of blue and bulging varicose veins on the legs and ankles. People with lighter complexion can have blue skin on their lips, hands, feet, ears, and nose due to poor circulation.

Cognitive issues: Poor circulation can affect brain functioning, causing memory loss or difficulty concentrating.

Erectile dysfunction: Poor circulation can impair blood flow to the penis, causing erectile dysfunction in males.

Diagnosing poor circulation

Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and look into your medical history, symptoms, and family history. They can order blood tests to diagnose diabetes or other inflammatory condition or an ultrasound or CT scan to check the blood vessels.

Treatment of Poor Circulation

Treatment may involve lifestyle changes like reducing stress levels and eating healthy. Your doctor may prescribe medications to manage high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol that impedes blood flow.

Finally, surgeries like arterial bypass may be recommended to redirect blood along narrow or blocked blood vessels.

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