Blood circulation in the body takes place through the network of veins and arteries. The heart works round the clock in order to pump sufficient amount of blood into the arteries. Unfortunately, not many people care about blood circulation until they experience some kind of health problems. There are numerous factors that can impair blood circulation and give rise to some serious health problems. When organs like the brain, kidney, etc. fail to get the required amount of oxygen and nutrients due to poor circulation, the functioning of your entire body is affected.
Poor blood circulation can produce a number of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, cold or numb hands and feet, swollen feet, cyanosis, fatigue, constipation, infections that take a lot of time to heal, lack of appetite, high blood pressure, brittle nails, dry skin, hair loss, various veins, and memory loss. The best way to guard against poor circulation is to be aware of its common causes and best treatment options.
Causes of Poor Blood Circulation
Atherosclerosis is the most common reason for poor blood circulation in the body. Also called as hardening of arteries, this condition causes blockage of arteries and reduce the area available for the blood to flow. Eating an unhealthy diet consisting of fatty foods and high cholesterol foods over a period of time causes the deposition of plaque in the walls of the arteries. The symptoms of atherosclerosis do not show up immediately, but take a long time to develop. An increase in plaque buildup causes thickening of the arterial wall and considerably slows down the blood flow. Because of this, there is a significant increase in the amount of pressure exerted on the heart to pump the required amount of blood. This increased pressure on the heart can eventually cause heart attack.
Some people suffer from bad circulation due to the way their bodies respond to cold temperatures. Cool climatic conditions can cause a reduction in blood flow to the hands and feet. Diabetes is another common cause of impaired blood circulation in the body. Poor circulation also affects children with congenital heart disease. Other common causes of bad circulation in the body include obesity, sedentary lifestyle, and smoking.
Treating and Preventing the Problem of Poor Circulation
The problem of bad circulation is diagnosed with the helps to a few essential tests such as MRI, X-rays, etc. In case of not so serious problems, altering your diet and lifestyle habits can help to prevent the buildup of plaque and improve circulation. Diabetics should put in extra effort to keep the blood sugar levels under control. People who are prone to high blood pressure will need to take prescribed medications. In case of bad blocks, angioplasty might be performed to widen the arteries. Serious problems involve undergoing bypass surgery.
The best way of preventing poor circulation is to form a habit of performing cardiovascular exercises regularly and eating healthy foods. Cardiovascular workouts are the best way of enhancing circulation and keeping various medical conditions at bay. Eating a diet full of vegetables and fruits will also help to improve circulation.
Many people tend to ignore the early signs of poor circulation. This can prove to be fatal in the long run and give rise to problems like strokes and heart attacks. Hence, taking the symptoms seriously and seeking proper treatment is essential.