What makes blood rush to hands?

Several factors can cause blood to rush to the hands, leading to a feeling of warmth or tingling in the palms and fingers. Here are a few common reasons:

1. Temperature Regulation: When the body experiences cold temperatures, it redirects blood flow to the core organs to maintain vital functions. As the body warms up, blood vessels in the hands and feet dilate, allowing more blood to flow to these extremities to regulate overall body temperature.

2. Emotional Responses: Emotions such as anxiety, excitement, or embarrassment can trigger the release of hormones like adrenaline and cortisol. These hormones cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, leading to dilation of blood vessels in the hands and face, resulting in a flushed appearance and warm hands.

3. Physical Activity: Engaging in physical activities, such as exercise or manual labor, increases the demand for oxygen and nutrients in the muscles. To meet this demand, blood flow is diverted to the active muscles, including the hands, leading to a temporary rush of blood to the area.

4. Certain Medical Conditions: Some medical conditions, such as hyperthyroidism, can cause increased blood flow and metabolism, resulting in warm hands and other symptoms such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, and anxiety. Additionally, conditions that affect circulation, like Raynaud's disease or peripheral artery disease, can cause fluctuations in blood flow to the hands.

5. Hand Injuries: Injuries to the hands or wrists, such as sprains, fractures, or nerve damage, can disrupt normal blood flow patterns and cause swelling, pain, and increased blood flow to the affected area.

If you experience persistent or sudden rushes of blood to the hands accompanied by other unusual symptoms, it's advisable to consult a healthcare professional for evaluation and appropriate treatment.