Adequate circulation in the body helps to distribute blood, nutrients, and oxygen to the necessary organs, which in turn helps in the functioning of the body. However, sometimes the body can experience a shortage of blood and oxygen supply due to poor circulation.
Poor circulation often showcases itself in a variety of ways, and the most common symptoms are noticed in the extremities such as the hands and legs. Occasionally, you may experience poor circulation when you sit for too long or lean on your arms for a long time. Nevertheless, if you experience poor circulation frequently, it could be a result of underlying health conditions such as Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Therefore, it’s necessary to check Center for Vascular Medicine for a vascular surgeon to help ascertain the root cause of the persistent poor circulation.
However, for further clarification, this article will look into the various underlying causes of poor circulation.
Causes Of Poor Circulation
Here are some of the underlying causes of poor circulation;
● Peripheral artery disease (PAD)
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) occurs due to inflammation which can be brought on by smoking, high blood pressure, and diabetes. This health condition often results in the hardening of small blood vessels. It also narrows small blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow in and out of the arteries; even large arteries can become stiff, causing poor circulation. The initial symptoms of PAD can be numbness of extremities; however, if left unchecked, peripheral artery disease can lead to even more serious conditions such as stroke, lower or upper limb amputation, as well as a heart attack.
In addition, peripheral artery disease can be pregnancy-related. In this case, the blood flow in the arms and legs is reduced because of the increasing size of the uterus. Most times, women who experience PAD during pregnancy have a family health history of PAD. Hence, if you’re expecting and there’s a history of peripheral artery disease in your lineage, make sure to inform your physician.
● Atherosclerosis:
Atherosclerosis is a medical condition that occurs when arteries are hardened by cholesterol and calcium deposits, leading to a decrease in blood flow. As a result, poor circulation is experienced by the limbs and other extremities of the body. However, this condition can also lead to the hardening of other body parts; in fact, blood vessels all over the body may become hardened due to atherosclerosis.
● Obesity
When an overweight person stands for so long, the legs can become tired due to the burden of carrying extra pounds. This often leads to poor circulation and other severe health conditions.
● Raynaud’s disease
Raynaud’s disease is a condition that occurs in people who experience severe cold in their feet, hands, lips, and other areas. This medical condition leads to the narrowing of small arteries supplying blood to the areas. When the arteries become narrow, the quantity of blood supply to various body parts becomes inadequate, which in turn leads to symptoms of poor circulation in the legs, arms, and more. Raynaud’s disease is more prevalent in women and those residing in colder regions.
● Varicose veins
Varicose veins are a health condition that occurs as a result of valve failure. It allows the vein to appear swollen and knotted. Varicose veins are commonly noticed at the back of the legs and are most prevalent in pregnant women and overweight people. The affected veins become damaged and incapable of circulating blood properly.
● Diabetes
Diabetes is known to affect the way the body processes blood sugar. However, this medical condition also leads to poor circulation in various body areas, such as the feet, thighs, calves, and more. Poor circulation caused by diabetes often causes cramping and pain in the extremities. However, advanced diabetes patients have low sensation in their extremities; hence it could be challenging to detect the symptoms of poor circulation.
● Poor diet
When you have poor nutrition due to unhealthy eating habits, poor diet, or as a result of fasting, this can cause poor circulation, improper functioning of the organs, and an increased risk of clotting. Failure to consume some particular minerals and vitamins makes the blood vessels weak and incapable of adequately supplying blood all over the body. Hence, it is necessary to pay more attention to the meals you eat. Ensure you consume a balanced diet containing colorful vegetables, fruits, and green leafy vegetables known to improve blood circulation. In addition, make a conscious effort to reduce salt-containing foods such as chips which are known to reduce blood flow throughout the body.
