Struggling with persistent pain, tingling, or cramps in your legs and feet? These could be warning signs of poor blood circulation, a condition that can lead to serious heart and health issues if left untreated. Discover the causes, symptoms, and effective strategies to maintain a healthy circulatory system and avoid the risks associated with poor blood flow.
Recognizing the Early Signs of Circulation Issues
The body knows how to prioritize blood flow, and as such the initial signs of poor circulation are usually seen in the extremities. • Burning pain in the forefoot or toes while sitting, or calf/thigh/buttock pain when walking that improves with rest. Another sign that something could be wrong with your circulatory system is discolored skin and wounds that are taking a long time to heal.
When blood should be carrying oxygen and other vital nutrients to the rest of the body and then taking away waste, anything that hinders a solid pathway for blood to flow will hinder said functions according to an assistant professor of family and community medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, Dr. Veenadhari Wang. Failure to recognize these symptoms early may result in more severe outcomes, even such as heart or liver issues.
Underlying Causes and Risk Factors for Poor Circulation
Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of fat and cholesterol on the walls of the blood vessels – one of the major culprits for bad circulation. This happens especially in people who smoke or have diabetes. Blood sugar levels may create imperatively much, making it hard for blood to stream, and high blood weights other than lights change the beat of your dissemination structure while heritages can be inherent. Those with a history of atherosclerosis, diabetes, or hypertension in the family are more likely to have blood flow problems.
Risks of developing stomach cancer also include older age, male gender, and Black race. “Prevention is the best medicine for poor circulation, so treat your body right by quitting smoking and getting lots of exercise to keep your heart and blood vessels in tip-top condition,” Dr. Wang stated.
Effective Strategies for Improving and Maintaining Healthy Blood Circulation
Luckily there are many ways to prevent and even reverse bad blood circulation through lifestyle changes. Interestingly, losing weight, exercising routinely, and not smoking will do just that. Also, mandatory to take cholesterol-lowering medications like statins.
If the symptoms still cause problems, they might prescribe more aggressive treatments like opening a narrow blood vessel with a balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery, in which blood flow is directed around an obstructed vessel. People can prevent complications by treating the underlying causes and making healthy lifestyle choices to keep their circulatory system invigorated while avoiding several life-threatening conditions.
