The circulatory system is essential for good health – but what happens when it’s not working? Learn about low circulation, symptoms and treatments.
Circulation plays a key role when it comes to transporting blood, nutrients, and oxygen throughout the body. However, if you start experiencing symptoms of poor circulation, it’s time to pay attention and figure out how to treat the problem.
Most circulation issues are felt in the extremities (hands, feet, legs, and arms). While you may experience various symptoms due to poor blood flow, having poor circulation is in and of itself a sign of another health issue.
The main causes behind low circulation are diabetes, arterial issues, obesity, and heart conditions. Furthermore, it’s important to treat the underlying causes if you want to effectively improve your circulation.
Symptoms of Low Circulation
Some of the most common symptoms of blood not circulating properly include pain, numbness, muscle cramps, tingling, and throbbing.
Moreover, the specific underlying condition may cause unique symptoms. For example, those with peripheral artery disease may experience erectile dysfunction along with other common symptoms.
One symptom that people may experience is edema, the accumulation of fluid in certain areas of the body. Besides being a sign of poor circulation, edemas may also indicate heart failure as the heart is unable to properly circulate blood.
If you’re experiencing tight, warm skin, pain in affected areas, heaviness and swelling, and stiff joints, you may have edema. Additionally, some people notice they have edema when jewelry or clothing starts to feel tight.
Diagnosing Low Circulation
The best way to diagnose poor circulation is to diagnose the underlying condition, which will help determine the symptoms. When talking with your doctor, disclose any family history of heart issues or poor circulation problems.
By knowing this information, your doctor can better asses your condition and risk factors. To determine your condition, a doctor may conduct a physical exam, a blood sugar test, an ultrasound, an antibodies test, and a blood pressure test.
Some of these will help determine a potential underlying cause such as diabetes, Raynaud’s disease, or blood clots.
Treatments for Low Circulation
Since poor circulation is a sign of a bigger health issue, treatment will vary depending on the underlying cause. Some common treatment options include using compression socks, insulin in case of diabetes, vein surgery for varicose veins, or special exercise programs.
Furthermore, your doctor may prescribe medications such as blood thinners or clot-dissolving drugs, depending on your specific condition. In the case of Raynaud’s, for example, calcium channel blockers and alpha blockers are the treatment of choice.
Additional Options
Treatment specifically depends on the underlying condition causing the low circulation problems. However, there are certain things everyone can do to help promote healthy blood flow.
By eating healthy, exercising regularly, and maintaining a healthy weight, you can greatly improve your body’s circulation. Another thing you can try is adding circulation supplements to your routine, like Circulation Boost.
For example, Circulation Boost works within the arteries to promote nitric oxide production, a compound that dilates blood vessels and promotes circulation. By using natural ingredients like l-arginine, l-citrulline, and various key vitamins and minerals, it can safely and effectively support healthy circulation.
If you’re experiencing signs of low circulation, talk with your doctor to determine the cause and develop a plan to treat it. Also discuss whether adding Circulation Boost to your routine can help promote your circulation.
Most importantly, pay attention and treat poor circulation early, as untreated low circulation may lead to bigger health issues down the road.