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Poor Circulation Diseases

Poor circulation diseases are commonly called peripheral vascular disease or peripheral artery disease. These conditions refer to a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood to the head, arms and legs. The narrowing is caused by plaque buildup in arterial walls and the result is poor circulation normally to the legs, but can also affect the arms, kidneys and stomach.

  1. Causes

    • Arteries become narrowed from fatty deposits which collect on artery walls. This process is called atherosclerosis and may be caused by high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes. As plaque continues to build on artery walls, circulation is limited depriving organs of needed oxygen and blood supply.

    Symptoms

    • Some people with poor circulation may have no symptoms or symptoms only when walking or climbing stairs. Symptoms of numbness, pain, cramping and heaviness in the leg muscles may occur. Other symptoms may include pale skin, weak pulse in legs or feet, sores on feet, toes or legs that take longer to heal and poor nail growth on the toes.

    Risks

    • Certain factors will put you at a higher risk for circulation diseases. These factors include smoking, being overweight, advanced age, being diabetic, having high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

    Diagnosis

    • Your doctor will start with a physical exam to check for faint pulses in your legs and feet. A Doppler ultrasound uses sound waves to reveal if a blood vessel is blocked. A magnetic resonance angiogram takes pictures of the blood vessels in your body. An arteriogram involves a dye injected to your artery and an x-ray will highlight the dye and any blockages or narrowing of arteries.

    Medications

    • Medications for poor circulation may include statin drugs such as Lipitor to lower cholesterol. Anticoagulant drugs such as Coumadin may be prescribed for blood clots. Low dose aspirin and drugs such as Plavix may help with better blood flow.

    Lifestyle Changes

    • Changes in diet and lifestyle can benefit poor circulation. Stop smoking as it increases your risk for peripheral vascular disease. Keep your blood sugar levels under control if you are diabetic. Eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetable, fish and nuts. Incorporate an exercise routine into your daily habit as circulation can improve with a daily walk or other activity. Discuss with your doctor any change in exercise or diet.

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