Recognize the symptoms of poor circulation and their causes

Like water that flows in a pipe, the blood in your body also flows in the veins. This process continues and aims for the body's cells to get oxygen and nutrients from food and drink. That way, cells can work properly. Well, in some people, blood circulation may not be smooth. So, what are the symptoms and what are the causes? Come on, find out the answer below.

Recognize the signs and symptoms of poor circulation

A smooth blood flow makes the body's cells work normally and indicates a healthy body. If the blood circulation in the body is disturbed, the body's cells will be deprived of oxygen and nutrients. These cells and tissues can be damaged. If left untreated, cells and tissues can die and this can endanger the life of the sufferer.

This non-smooth blood flow certainly causes various signs and symptoms, whether you are aware of it or not. The following are signs and symptoms that may occur when blood circulation in the body is not smooth.

1. Cold hands and feet

Normally, your hands and feet feel cold when you are in water or in a room with low temperatures. If this condition occurs, for no apparent reason, it could be a sign of poor circulation. The reason is, blood that does not flow smoothly can cause the temperature of the skin and nerve endings in the feet and hands to fluctuate.

2. Numbness or tingling sensation

Tingling or numbness usually occurs when you sit with your legs bent for a long time. This position of the body makes blood circulation restricted, so the cells do not get enough blood. These cells in the body will signal you a tingling sensation or numbness.

This symptom of poor circulation is described as a tingling sensation all over the hand or leg, which sometimes causes you to feel nothing when the part of your body is touched.

3. Swelling of the body

Swelling or edema can result from poor blood flow. This is because body fluids accumulate in certain areas of the body, usually swelling in the feet or legs.

It can also be a sign of a blood clot in an area of the body that increases pressure and makes body fluids accumulate. People with symptoms of poor blood circulation will usually experience the following conditions.

The body becomes swollen and gets heavier.
In the swollen area, the skin will feel tight and warm to the touch.
The nearest joint will feel stiff.
Some experience pain in the swollen area.

4. The body is tired

When blood circulation is not smooth, the heart will work hard to pump blood. This condition will certainly make the body tired more easily. Coupled with body cells that do not get an adequate blood supply. Feeling tired will get worse.

If you feel your body is tired even though you are not doing anything or after doing activities, this could be a sign of poor circulation.

5. Digestive problems

Blood flow that is not smooth can affect various systems in the body, one of which is your digestive system. The reason is, the smoothness of the digestive process depends on blood circulation. This condition is usually related to the accumulation of fat in the lining of the abdominal blood vessels.

Digestive problems caused by poor blood circulation include:

Stomach pain, aka heartburn.
Diarrhea.
Constipation accompanied by stomach cramps and bloody stools.

6. Cognitive problems

Poor blood circulation also affects brain function. The reason is, blood also nourishes the cells in the brain. When cells don't get enough oxygen-rich and nutrient-rich blood, it can be difficult for you to concentrate or your memory may deteriorate.

7. Skin color changes

Insufficient amount of blood in the arteries when it reaches the body's tissues can cause the skin to become pale or bluish. Usually, this skin discoloration occurs on the nose, lips, ears, nipples, hands, and feet. If the poor blood flow is caused by blood leaking from the capillaries, the skin area may appear purple.

8. Wounds on the legs

Wounds or in medical terms are known as ulcers, which is a sign of poor circulation. This is because poor circulation decreases the body's ability to heal from wounds. This condition can cause injury, swelling, and pain.

9. Pain in the legs, arms and hands

When blood does not circulate properly, oxygen and nutrients cannot reach tissues effectively. In the end, it can cause stiffness and cramps in the legs, arms, and hands.

10. Varicose veins

Varicose veins are a sign that your blood circulation is not smooth. This condition usually occurs when poor blood circulation gets worse. As a result, there will be a prominent appearance of veins around the surface of the skin, usually on the feet. In addition, this condition sometimes causes pain, itching, and swelling.

What are the causes of poor blood circulation?

In order not to cause complications, poor blood circulation must be overcome. Well, how to deal with this condition must be adjusted to the various underlying causes. Various causes of poor circulation include:

Diabetes

Diabetes can cause nerve damage, and high glucose levels can lead to a condition called diabetic neuropathy. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and cause plaque buildup. In the end, this condition can interfere with blood circulation in the body.

Hence, it is important for diabetics to properly manage their blood glucose, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to maintain a healthy blood flow.

Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is one of the most common causes of poor circulation. Reporting from the Mayo Clinic, this disease occurs when plaque builds up in blood vessels, especially in the arteries. This buildup eventually narrows and hardens the arteries, ultimately restricting blood flow.

Atherosclerosis usually affects the arteries of the brain, heart, legs and arms. When atherosclerosis develops in the upper and lower limbs, it is called peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Blood clotting

Blood clots in blood vessels can restrict blood flow to or from organs or tissues. In some cases, the clot completely blocks blood flow. If the clot moves, it can cause serious complications, such as:

Heart attack.
Stroke.
Embolism in the pulmonary artery that damages the lungs.

Raynaud's disease

People who experience chronic cold hands and feet may have a condition called Raynaud's disease. This disease causes the small arteries in your hands and feet to narrow.

The narrowed arteries are less able to circulate blood throughout your body, so you may begin to experience symptoms of poor circulation.

Smoking and obesity

Smoking habits and being overweight can also be the cause of blood flow that is not smooth in the body. This is because smoking can damage blood vessels and cause plaque buildup in the blood vessels, making it difficult for blood to flow smoothly. Likewise with obesity, the accumulation of fat in blood vessels can narrow the pathways of blood flow.