There are times you may be feeling body aches, tingling sensations, and severe cramps in your legs. It may be normal if it happens for a short while. However, experts say prolonged symptoms could be a warning your body is giving you. They could be signs of poor blood circulation – which can cause serious heart and health problems if left untreated.
What is poor circulation
Blood stops delivering oxygen and other important nutrients when circulation is poor. This also prevents the removal of waste from the body. It also stops carrying away waste. According to experts, anything that gets in the way of blood flow will impact this function.
The body prioritizes blood flow to vital organs. As a result, symptoms of poor circulation are usually first noted in the extremities. Problems occur when there is an issue with a part of the delivery system. Issues can also arise from the valves that control the direction of your blood flow. Obstacles in the blood vessels make it hard for blood to get through. This is especially true when blood tries to reach the parts of your body that are farthest from your heart. These include your fingers and toes.
According to experts, usually, those who are older than 40 years of age are more likely to have poor circulation. People who are overweight also have a higher risk. Those who have diabetes and do not get much exercise are similarly affected. However, you can spot the condition by feeling pain or numbness. Tingling or cold sensations in the parts of your body with bad circulation are also signs.
Often, poor circulation symptoms affect your legs, hands, fingers, feet, and toes. A few other symptoms include:
- Muscles that hurt or feel weak when you walk
- A pins and needles sensation on your skin
- Pale or blue skin colour
- Chest pain
- Swelling
- Veins that bulge
Causes poor blood circulation
Experts say there are many causes for poor blood circulation, which include genetic factors. The risk is higher for people with a family history of atherosclerosis, diabetes, or high blood pressure. Also, older adults, men, and Black people are also more likely to be affected. There are a few reasons. Smoking introduces harmful and toxic chemicals that damage your blood vessels, putting you at higher risk of atherosclerosis.
- High blood pressure
- When your blood pushes forcefully against your blood vessel walls, it begins to weaken them. This makes it harder for the blood to move through them.
- Atherosclerosis
- Plaque – which contains fat and cholesterol begins to pile up inside your arteries, limiting blood flow.
- Type 2 diabetes
- High blood sugar levels can lead to Type 2 diabetes. People with this condition can have circulatory problems.
- Varicose veins
- High blood pressure damages the walls and valves of your veins. It can cause blood inside varicose veins to flow the wrong way.
- Obesity
- Being overweight puts you at risk for medical problems that slow down your blood flow.
Ways to prevent poor circulation
You can improve your poor circulation symptoms by:
- Exercise
- Eat a healthy, fresh food full of nutrients
- Stop smoking
- Maintain your weight
- Manage stress
- Wear compression gloves or stockings