Signs of Circulation Problems Below the Waist

The blood vessels--arteries, capillaries and veins--that circulate blood throughout the body form a complex network called the vascular system. Cadiovascular disease (often called heart disease) and other problems that restrict or obstruct the flow of blood are fairly common, especially as people age, and certain factors increase the possibility, such as heredity, injury, disease, smoking, high cholesterol, obesity and diabetes. Many different conditions can cause circulation problems that affect the lower part of the body, but the signs can be very similar.

Swelling

• Leg: Swelling of the lower leg or thigh can be a sign of a deep vein thrombosis, or blood clot.

  Feet, ankles or leg: Swelling here may indicate a congenital heart defect, cardiomyopathy (thickened heart muscle), heart-valve disease, congestive heart failure or phlebitis (inflammation of a vein). It may also indicate venous insufficiency, when defective valves in the leg veins allow blood to pool.

  Abdomen or legs: A heart infection may cause swelling of the abdomen or legs.

Pain, Cramping or Fatigue

• Pain or tenderness in the leg: When pain occurs only when standing or walking, it may be a sign of deep vein thrombosis (a blood clot) or peripheral vascular disease, when fatty deposits on the lining of the artery walls inhibit blood flow.

  Claudication: Cramping or fatigue in the legs and buttocks during exercise, which stops when the activity stops, is sometimes called “intermittent” claudication. It's another symptom of peripheral arterial disease

  Cramping, throbbing, fatigue, heaviness or weakness: These symptoms may be a result of venous insufficiency--poor circulation caused by defective valves in the leg veins.

Warmth, Cold or Discoloration

• Redness and warmth: Accompanied by swelling or pain, this may be a sign of deep vein thrombosis.

  Coldness, paleness or numbness: These may indicate restricted blood flow caused by peripheral vascular disease.

Ulcers or Slow-Healing Wounds

• Cuts, scrapes or other wounds that refuse to heal may be evidence of poor circulation. Peripheral vascular disease may also encourage venous ulcers that develop on their own, usually just above the ankle on the inside of the leg.

Varicose Veins

• The most obvious sign of venous insufficiency is varicose veins, which can become swollen and twisted when blood leaks back through defective valves and collects in the vein.

Erectile Dysfunction

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) is most often a sign of circulation problems. Such conditions as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) are responsible for 70 percent of ED from physical causes.