Home - health - 5 Signs Of Poor Blood Circulation To Look Out For

5 signs of poor blood circulation to look out for

5 signs of poor blood circulation to look out for

Poor blood circulation usually occurs when something interferes with the circulatory system, causing specific body parts to be deprived of blood, nutrients, and oxygen. Some problems that can lead to poor circulation include blockages in the blood vessels and a leaky heart valve that causes the blood to flow backward. In most cases, poor circulation affects people with diabetes, those aged 40 and above, and individuals with minimal physical activity.

Warning signs of poor blood circulation
If circulation problems are left untreated, it can lead to complications like nerve damage, strokes, heart attacks, and peripheral artery disease. Hence, individuals should identify issues in time and use the right treatment as recommended by a healthcare professional. Here are some warning signs of poor blood circulation to look out for:

Cracked or dry skin
Those experiencing problems with blood flow may develop cracked or dry skin. In most cases, the skin in the legs and feet is affected, as the lower body suffers the most from circulation issues and receives less blood, oxygen, and nutrients. Furthermore, when there is a lack of proper blood supply in the body, the skin cannot easily create new cells. This may lead to not only dry skin but also slower healing of wounds.

Tingling sensation in the hands and feet
When one puts constant pressure on a specific body part, like a hand or a feet, for a long time, it is normal to experience a tingling sensation in the area. It happens because the pressure prevents blood from flowing freely. However, some may experience this tingling sensation without any reason, which is a warning sign of poor blood circulation.

Cold hands and feet
If a person constantly has cold hands and feet, it could be a warning sign of poor blood circulation. When the extremities receive less blood, they turn cold, even while other body parts have a normal body temperature. In such cases, one can wear gloves and an extra pair of socks to ease the discomfort and keep the hands and feet warm.

Changes in skin color
Due to poor blood circulation, one may notice specific changes in the skin of their hands. This includes the affected areas turning blueish in color due to a lack of oxygen. The problem is called cyanosis and can also result from other health conditions like diabetes.

Wounds that heal slowly
For wounds to heal, the injury site must receive a continuous supply of blood enriched with nutrients, oxygen, and white blood cells. Since poor circulation causes less blood to reach the wound, the healing process takes longer. If one experiences this warning sign, they must consult a healthcare professional at the earliest as the longer it takes for the wound to heal, the more prone it becomes to infections and other complications.

Besides keeping an eye out for the warning signs mentioned above, one should eat healthy foods, exercise, manage stress levels, and wear compression gloves or stockings to improve blood circulation and avoid associated complications.

You May Also Like

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

Simple lifestyle changes that reduce the risk of heart diseases

The heart is the most crucial organ in the body and as the system will cease to function if the heart stops or loses momentum pumping fresh oxygenated blood. This is why it is vital to not neglect your heart health at all and responsibly maintain a healthy, stress-free, and more importantly, a happy lifestyle. Here are a few simple lifestyle changes that will help support a healthy heart function. Switch to a healthy diet Avoid eating foods that are rich in trans and saturated fats. Most foods you find on the shelves of the supermarket contain large quantities of one or the other. Instead, switch to low-fat high fiber alternatives to help manage cholesterol. Maintaining a healthy cholesterol level in the body automatically reduces the risk of heart diseases. The simple reason for this is that fats that normally block major arteries and blood vessels are eliminated from these foods choices. It is also advisable to limit the salt (sodium) intake to control blood pressure and sugar to reduce the risk of diabetes simultaneously. Change certain lifestyle habits Reduce the number of alcoholic or carbonated drinks you have regularly. For men, it is advisable to have not more than two drinks and day and women must have only one.
Read More
How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

How to distinguish between heartburn and GERD

Heartburn is an unpleasant, burning sensation in the chest that is more common than a lot of individuals realize. Pregnant women, older men, and even young adults experience it frequently. Despite it being such a prevalent experience, not many know that heartburn has actually nothing to do with the heart and everything to do with the stomach and the esophagus. Unsurprisingly enough, heartburn is also used interchangeably with GERD. But, before we get to deciphering heartburn and GERD, let’s understand what acid reflux is. What is acid reflux or GER? Acid reflux occurs when the lower esophageal sphincter or LES becomes weak, allowing the contents of the stomach to travel in the wrong direction, back up the esophagus. Acid reflux is also called GER or gastroesophageal reflux as it involves the stomach and esophagus. This condition can usually be resolved with over-the-counter medication. What is heartburn? Heartburn is a burning or painful sensation that is experienced in the chest. Since the lining of the esophagus is not as strong as the lining of the stomach, the acid from the stomach can cause a burning sensation in the chest. This pain or burning sensation that is heartburn can often be misconstrued for a heart attack.
Read More
5 common joint conditions and how to treat them

5 common joint conditions and how to treat them

A joint or articulation is made from two bones that aid the body in movement. There are many forms of joint conditions, which, in many cases, arise from the wear and tear of bones. Arthritis is one of the major and most common health conditions in the country, and its intensity increases with age. Here are some common types of joint conditions that you need to know: Osteoarthritis With almost 10 percent of men and 13 percent of women aged over 60 suffering from osteoarthritis, it is one of the most prevalent joint conditions in the country. Osteoarthritis occurs due to the wear and tear of the cartilages that protect the ends of bones. It commonly affects joints of the spine, hands, hips, and knees. If left untreated, this wear and tear of the cartilage soon leads to bone degeneration, thereby affecting flexibility and range of movement. Treatment for osteoarthritis depends on its severity and the patient’s age. Mild symptoms can be treated through medications, physiotherapy, and changes in lifestyle, whereas moderate to severe cases may require surgical intervention. Spondyloarthritis Spondyloarthritis, also referred to as spondyloarthropathy, is a type of rheumatic disease that causes inflammation in various joints. There are two types of spondyloarthritis—axial spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation of the joints in the chest, spine, and hip bone, and peripheral spondyloarthritis, which causes inflammation in the fingers, knees, and toes.
Read More