Blood circulation is movement of blood through the vessels in the body and it is induced the pumping action of the heart. On this way the blood distributes nutrients and oxygen to the brain and the organs and also removes waste products from all parts of the body.
Circulation problems may affect the proper function of various systems within the body. If are left untreated, these issues may cause severe damage to the heart, brain, kidneys and other vital organs.
There are many different reasons that cause inadequate blood circulation, and the most common are atherosclerosis and peripheral artery disease.
Other health problems that also cause poor blood circulation are obesity, blood clots, diabetes or heart disease. In addition to this, certain habits such as excess drinking, eating disorders, smoking and even pregnancy makes people more susceptible to this condition.
If you notice any symptoms that indicate issues with blood circulation it is extremely important to visit specialist in order to target the cause and start with proper treatment.
You should be aware of the fact that you need to consult a doctor as this is severe condition that may cause stroke, heart attack and even may end fatal.
Below there is list of 10 warning signs of improper blood circulation:
Numb Hands and Feet
Numbness in certain body points, particularly in the extremities may be indication of problems with the circulation.
Another cause for numbness is persistent pressure on the hands and feet, exposure to cold, compression of the nerves, lack of magnesium and lack of vitamin B12. This symptom may be a sign of diabetes, underactive thyroid and multiple sclerosis.
Swelling of Lower Extremities
Swelling in the feet may occur as a result of high intake of salt, standing or sitting in one position for prolonged period of time, malnutrition, obesity, aging, pregnancy and premenstrual syndrome. But if you are suffering from swelling in the feet for a long period of time you should be aware that it may be a result of poor blood circulation. Due to lack of blood flow, kidneys are unable to fulfill the process of keeping fluids in the blood vessels. That is the reason why fluid settles in the surrounding tissues and causes swelling. In the most extreme cases, this condition may cause leg ulcers.
If you are experiencing such problem, raise your legs above the heart level. The swelling will stop as soon as the circulation improves. If the swelling is persistent you need to visit medical expert.
Persistent Fatigue and Tiredness
Use of different medications and physical exertion may cause fatigue, but if you experience persistent feeling of fatigue and tiredness, the reason for that may be related to poor blood circulation.
Namely, improper blood circulation interferes with the normal functioning of the organs, but also with the muscles which do not have enough oxygen and necessary nutrients.
Along with the abovementioned symptoms, other symptoms, such as breathlessness, sore muscles and lack of stamina may appear.
Other causes of fatigue are: depression, anxiety, excessive caffeine intake, consummation of alcohol, unhealthy eating habits, poor habits, stress and grief.
Cool Hands and Feet
Proper circulation maintains regulated body temperature and if there is some problem with the circulation, the body can’t have a normal body temperature. In such situation, the patient has cold hands and feet and the reason for this is the fact that the blood cannot reach the furthest points in your body, such as the fingers and toes.
In order to solve this issue, rub the affected point in order to encourage the blood flow.
Moreover, there are other conditions that cause cold hands and feet: underactive thyroid, peripheral neuropathy or Raynaud’s syndrome. If you are experiencing such problem without any obvious reason, consult your doctor in order to determine the exact cause for it.
Varicose Veins
Poor blood circulation is one of the causes of varicose veins on the legs. Namely, improper flow builds pressure and thus the veins become twisted, swollen and visible. At most patients, they appear on the lower extremities, and cause unpleasant itchiness, pain, restlessness, heaviness and burning sensations in the legs. Moreover, this medical condition is an important beauty concern for many people.
Obesity, heredity, hormonal changes, constipation, use of control pills and a lot of standing on a daily basis are some other factors that contribute to occurrence of condition.
Patients who are suffering from this medical condition need to wear compression stockings in order to improve the blood flow. It is of extreme importance to visit a doctor regularly and get a proper treatment.
Weak Immune System and Slow Healing
Improper circulation has influence on the immune system. Namely, poor circulation doesn’t distribute on time the vitamins and minerals that the body needs and are crucial to fight off infections. This actually affects the ability of the body to fight bacteria.
People who have weak immune system are more susceptible to wounds, cuts and grazes that may be more difficult to heal.
Best way to improve the blood circulation is to exercise regularly. It is advisable to walk at least 20 minutes a day, 5 times a week and you will feel much better.
Erectile Dysfunction
When there is no a proper blood flow in the reproductive organs, erectile dysfunction may occur. Furthermore this may cause problems to achieve or sustain erection. According to some experts, this condition is liked with atherosclerosis. Namely, men who are suffering from this problem should consult a doctor and to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Sudden Hair Loss
Hair loss is an evident sign of improper blood flow in the body. Namely, if the scalp doesn’t receive the needed nutrients in the right time and amount, the hair becomes dry, thin and starts falling down.
In order to solve this issue, it is advisable to massage the scalp with some hair oil in order to prevent hair loss. This will improve the blood circulation and the hair follicles. Visit a doctor and check if some additional treatment is needed.
Consequence of improper circulation due to the lack of nutrients are brittle nails and dry skin.
It is important to mention that there are many other factors that may cause hair loss, including stress, aging, genetic factors, thyroid disorder, hormonal imbalance, smoking, infections of the scalp, chronic illnesses or iron-deficiency.
Tightness or Heaviness in the Chest
When there isn’t proper blood flow, the heart won’t be able to function in the proper manner. Namely, poor circulation in the heart can lead to tightness and heaviness in the chest. Medical name of this medical condition is angina or angina pectoris. Chest pain may indicate atherosclerosis in the heart arteries.
Heartburn, muscle spasm, upper respiratory infection, indigestion and stomach ulcer are some other reasons that may cause chest pain. If you feel chest pain, you should visit doctor immediately and prevent some severe life-threatening problem.
Skin Discoloring or Cyanosis
Discoloration of skin that occurs as a result of low levels of blood oxygen or an improper blood circulation is called cyanosis. If you notice changes in your skin color, from bright red to dark one visit doctor immediately. At most patients, the skin around the eyes, lips and gums becomes blue. Sometimes, the fingers and toes can get a bruised look.
If such discoloration appears on baby’s skin, it may indicate congenital heart disease. In such case, it is of extreme importance to ask for an immediate medical advice.
How to Improve Circulation:
Exercise regularly, on a daily basis.
Try to control stress as it significantly affects blood circulation.
In a ½ cup of olive oil add few drops of rosemary essential oil and massage your body. For best result, focus on your extremities.
Practice contrast hydrotherapy. That is treatment with cold and hot water that will improve the circulation.
Make sure to keep your back straight while you sit or walk as body posture is important for proper circulation.
Instead of coffee, consume green tea.
Avoid consummation of alcohol.
Stop smoking and avoid being exposed to secondhand smoke.
Include more seeds, black and cayenne pepper, nuts, garlic, onion and ginger in your nutrition and thus stimulate the circulation.
Invest in some good quality pair of shoes as comfortable shoes will provide good circulation in your legs and you won’t feel any pain while you walk.
Source: www.healthylifestyleadvice.com
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