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Symptoms of Poor Circulation

Symptoms of poor circulation

Are you concerned that you or someone close to you is developing signs or symptoms of circulation that is poor? Are you unsure exactly what poor circulation is? Hopefully this article can help with these questions.

Circulation that is poor denotes blood flow that is inadequate all over the body, especially in peripheral areas meaning the legs, hands, as well as the feet. When left untreated, it often results in numerous conditions that are chronic, and range from varicose veins to damaged kidney to a stroke. It is often caused by a lifestyle that is sedentary, obesity, food choices that are poor as well as high blood pressure. If you or someone in your family starts to develop any of these signs of circulation that is poor, obtain medical help as quickly as possible in order to stop any pending complications that can develop.

Ways to check for signs of poor circulation include:

  • Check the feet and hands for any cramping as well as numbness. These are among the most noticeable signs that there is problems with circulation that is poor and are usually the first signs to be noticed.
  • Check the legs and feet for any signs of swelling and redness. Press a finger against the skin of the lower leg firmly near the ankle for a few seconds, then let go to see if any indention is left or the indention does not bounce back. This is referred to as pitting edema and is absolutely one of the signs of circulation that is poor.
  • Consider whether legs get tired or achy after periods of extended standing or inactivity but are relieved with either elevation or movement. This elevation of the legs allows any fluid to drain back into the body and relieve temporarily any swelling or pain. This is an indication of circulation that is poor.
  • Consider the mental acuity of yourself or another individual. Any poor circulation can include a mental capacity that is diminished and also takes the form of lethargy, memory loss, as well as a general lack of mental acuity. Lack of good blood circulation to the brain can also cause headaches that are frequent and come on without reason as well as spells of dizziness.
  • Check for any cuts or wounds that heal very slowly or don’t heal at all. Any loss of blood flow will inhibit the process of healing which can result in non-healing ulcers especially in cases that are severe. These primarily appear on the lower legs and feet and are a major reason for amputations among diabetics.

There are many reasons for symptoms of poor circulation. A few that need to be mentioned include artery, circulatory, vein, heart as well as blood disorders. Often, circulation that is poor is only noticed in one area of the body such as fingers that are tingling when circulation in the hands is poor. Still, some individuals will have circulation problems that are full body. Causes for full body circulation problems usually affect individuals who are obese, have high cholesterol, diabetes or high blood pressure. Often something as simple as a cup of coffee or a mixed drink can set off symptoms of circulation that is poor.

The following are several symptoms indicating that circulation is poor:


  • If the circulation of the kidneys is poor it will cause swelling of ankles, feet as well as hands, a fatigued feeling and blood pressure that is elevated.
  • If the circulation to the liver is poor the individual will have a pale or unhealthy appearance along with loss of weight at a pace that is very sudden.
  • Poor circulation involving the heart can cause pains in the chest, cholesterol that is elevated as well as high blood pressure.
  • If any area of the body turns a bluish color, this is referred to as cyanosis and normally indicates poor circulation in that area.
  • Poor circulation can cause varicose veins to develop.
  • If the feet or hands never seem to be warm, that feeling of chilliness might also be related to circulation that is poor.
  • Toe nails that are brittle can be due to poor blood flowing to the feet properly.
  • Any sudden vision that becomes poor and comes and goes can also be related to poor circulation.

If any of these signs or symptoms sound like problems that you or a family member have, it is important to see a medical professional as quickly as possible.

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