Poor Circulation Diagnosis

If you have a diagnosis of poor circulation, you have probably suffered from swelling and achy legs or arms, cold hands and feet, pale skin, vertigo (especially if you stand quickly), numbness in some areas, varicose veins, migraines and even tinnitus or ringing in the ears. A poor circulation diagnosis should not be taken lightly as it often indicates more serious health problems, such as cardiovascular disorders, Reynaud's disease, and phlebitis. Poor circulation can also reduce your ability to heal. Fortunately, you can take simple steps to improve your health and reduce poor circulation.

Susceptibility

• The cause of poor circulation is normally due to the buildup of plaque in the artery walls, lack of exercise, and heredity. Many can reduce susceptibility or risk by making simple lifestyle changes, such as reducing salts, red meat, fat intake and alcohol, as well as increasing your level of exercise. If you have diabetes, you are more at risk for developing poor circulation, which often affects feet.

Physical Exam

• A physician may make a poor circulation diagnosis after a physical exam, especially if the color of the skin does not go back to normal within a few seconds of pressing down. A physician will also look at other symptoms to determine if you may have poor circulation.

Venous Doppler

• A venous doppler or ultrasound may be prescribed to test the health of the veins. This is conducted by exposing the affected area to high frequency waves that produce pictures of the interior of the body and can help provide an idea of the structure and health of organs and the amount of blood flowing through blood vessels. This is a non-invasive medical test that can confirm a diagnosis of poor circulation and even determine its cause. During this procedure, an ultrasound tech may also search for blood clots, especially in the legs, because such clots can pass into one or both lungs.

Warnings

• Poor circulation often affects the ability to heal from injury and can cause infection. This most commonly occurs in the lower extremities, particularly the feet, which may not heal fully and can develop sores that go unnoticed. In some cases, amputation can occur because of tissue death. Poor circulation can also cause strokes and heart attacks, as the arteries that supply your heart and brain with blood may be affected.

Treatment

• If you have been diagnosed with poor circulation, a doctor will probably recommend changes in living and additional tests to determine if there are other conditions. A doctor may check your glucose level to see if diabetes is present, and possibly change your medications, especially if you have diabetes.

  A doctor will also address a variety of risk factors, like diet, high blood pressure, smoking, and other health concerns as well. Medication may be prescribed to reduce the risk of blood clots, lower cholesterol, and provide relief of symptoms from poor circulation.

  In advanced cases of poor circulation, a doctor may need to perform an angioplasty to enlarge the narrowed arteries. Bypass surgery may be necessary if blood flow to the heart has been compromised. If a blood clot is present in the artery, a doctor can inject drugs that dissolve the clot and break it up at the location of the clot.

Herbal Remedies

• Homeopathic remedies can help to reduce symptoms of poor circulation, but should be discussed with your doctor because they can still interact with medication. Herbs that can help with poor circulation by stimulating the central nervous system and have low risks include cayenne pepper, chamomile, lemon balm and valerian root.

  Although Gingko biloba can be effective in improving circulation, it can also increase blood flow, which can be risky for those who are on blood thinners.