Poor blood circulation is often referred to by many health experts as the silent killer. Unfortunately, many people have circulation problems, but they don’t realize the potential health problems associated with it. You shouldn’t really joke about the fact that you often have cold hands or feet!
Here are a few signs that you could have poor circulation:
Swollen Feet
Swollen feet are often caused by poor kidney function. When there is poor blood circulation, fats tend to build up in the renal arteries resulting in a pool of blood in the person’s legs.
This is why people who suffer with swollen feet are advised to position their legs in an elevated manner. Make sure the legs are positioned higher than the level of your heart. This will facilitate improved circulation so that any swelling in the lower legs will subside. If you have elevated your legs, but there are no improvements, consult your physician to determine the real cause.
Cold Extremities
This is the most common symptom of poor circulation – having cold hands and feet. Proper blood circulation is crucial for maintaining and regulating overall body temperature. So, if a person complains of cold extremities when the weather indicates otherwise, they most likely have a circulation problem.
Numbness or Weakness In the Arms and Legs
Some people who experience poor circulation complain of numbness or weakness in their arms and legs. This can be when they are active or at rest. If these symptoms occur suddenly, and the person also shows speech problems and drooping facial muscles, it may mean there is low blood circulation to the brain. These symptoms are commonly experienced by people who have atherosclerosis. Immediate medical help must be sought, in case it is a stroke.
Skin Discoloration
Skin discoloration is another tell-tale sign of having circulation problems. This condition is referred to as cyanosis. Changes in skin color are seen in the person’s arms, legs, hands or feet. The toes and fingers will appear to have bluish tints. The skin may also look shiny but the extremities look bluish and often pale, due to a lack of oxygen and blood circulating to those areas.
Constipation
Poor circulation also causes all the other systems in the body to slow down and the digestive system is not exempted from this. If the digestive system slows down due to poor blood circulation then the person will very likely experience constipation.
If left untreated, this can develop into a gastrointestinal disorder.
Loss of Appetite
Having a healthy appetite means there is a healthy blood flow to the liver. However, if the body’s circulatory system is unhealthy, a loss of appetite and weight loss may occur. This is why if a person experiences a persistent lack of appetite for no obvious reason, a doctor’s consult is recommended to rule out any health issues.
Fatigue and Muscle Cramps
Poor circulation makes it difficult for the body to work at all! Poor circulation leads to less oxygen and nutrients travelling to all parts of the body, including the muscles. This results in fatigue and muscle cramping.
