8 Common Problems with Poor Blood Circulation and How to Avoid them

 Poor blood circulation can harm the health of the individual, causing different types of diseases.

The most recurrent symptoms of poor circulation are cold, dry skin, itching, the appearance of red spots, swelling, cramps, and a feeling of numbness. These signs are usually manifested in peripheral limbs, such as hands, legs, and feet.

When recognizing these signs, it is recommended that the patient seek medical help, as the case may progress to more serious complications, such as ulcers and thrombosis.

In this post, we list eight common problems caused by poor blood circulation. Also, we list some easy and quick measures that can be performed even by those with a tight budget or running routine. Good reading and have a healthier life!

What health problems can poor blood circulation cause?

1. Thrombosis

Venous thrombosis occurs when a vein becomes blocked due to a blood clot. It is a serious complication: the clot can impede blood circulation or it can fragment and reach other organs, such as the lung.

This disease can affect people who need to lie in bed for a long time, as in moments of post-surgical recovery. The identified cases should be referred immediately to the emergency room.

2. Varicose veins

The varicose veins are dilated veins that are skipped under the skin, causing pain and swelling. They can have several causes, such as pregnancy or genetic predisposition.

The veins are responsible for carrying the blood that irrigated the tissues back to the heart. In the legs, the blood must act against the action of gravity to rise to the chest. Thus, in these limbs, the veins have valves that prevent blood from returning to the feet.

However, sometimes, these valves do not work very well and blood accumulates inside the vessels, causing their deformation. If varicose veins are not treated in time, permanent stains, irreversible swelling, or sores on the legs may appear.

3. Clogging of arteries

Clogging of the arteries can be caused by blood clots or by the accumulation of fat on the inner walls of the vessels (atherosclerosis). This is a serious condition, as the blockage prevents the blood from passing and carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells of the body, compromising the functioning of the organs.

If the case is not treated immediately, the patient may have sores and gangrene. In more critical situations, the person may have a stroke or amputation of a limb.

4. Varicose ulcers

Varicose ulcers are sores caused by poor circulation in the legs and feet. When blood accumulates in the veins, there is an increase in pressure in these regions that leaves the skin sensitive. If the person suffers some type of injury in this fragile region, such as a hit, this trauma can develop into an ulcer.

These wounds are difficult to heal. If not treated with hygiene and care, varicose ulcers can become infected and increase in size.

5. Cramps

Cramps due to poor circulation mainly affect older people. Over the years, the tendency is for more fatty plaques to accumulate in the arteries and for these vessels to narrow.

The decrease in the diameter of the arteries hinders blood circulation and the blood does not adequately irrigate some regions of the body, such as lower limbs. Thus, when forcing the movement of the muscles of the legs and feet, there is the production of lactic acid, generating painful cramps.

6. Low libido or erectile dysfunction

The male and female reproductive organs need to be well irrigated to function properly. Thus, poor blood circulation can cause sexual disorders in both sexes, such as low libido.

Also, in men there may be erectile dysfunction and women may have their menstrual cycle unregulated.

7. Hair loss and weak nails

Without proper blood circulation, hair and nails do not receive enough nutrients. As a result, they become weak and start to fall or break easily.

Also, the hair becomes dry and dull and the nails can become dull or with white spots.

8. Difficulty concentrating

The brain is an extremely active organ and needs to receive a considerable amount of oxygen and glucose through the blood. Blood circulation problems can make it difficult to irrigate brain cells, altering the individual's ability to concentrate and memory.

How to prevent and treat poor blood circulation?

Practice physical activity

The main recommendation to prevent poor blood circulation is regular physical activity. When moving the body, the tissues will consume more oxygen and glucose. To supply this need, blood will have to circulate more through the limbs, increasing the supply of nutrients and oxygen gas.

If the patient is a sedentary person, he may experience pain and discomfort when incorporating this habit. However, if the practice is repeated at least three times a week, better physical condition is acquired and the suffering during the activity disappears.

There is no need to enroll in a gym to do some kind of exercise. There are simple activities that can be done at home that help a lot in preventing diseases, such as skipping rope and stretching.

Have a balanced diet

Having a  healthier diet is not synonymous with dieting. As long as there are no dietary restrictions due to pre-existing disease, you can eat everything in moderate amounts.

Whoever bets on a menu rich in fruits and vegetables will be less likely to develop problems related to circulation. These foods have nutrients that activate circulation and help strengthen blood vessel walls.

Also, skipping a meal is not an advisable habit. The person must eat at least six meals a day. At each of these times, the portions must be small and diversified in nutrients.

Engage family and friends

Practicing physical activities and eating well can become costly practices for those who also have to take care of household chores or are on a reduced budget. It is not for nothing that these tips are overlooked by a good part of the population.

Thus, the idea is to share plans to improve the quality of life with family or friends, to gain support in this decision.

For example, plan physical activities that can be performed by the whole family, such as a walk-in in a public park. In this way, time is saved with loved ones, everyone has fun and children still learn about the importance of moving their bodies. That is, only benefits!

Look for specific treatments

The clinical pictures of complications resulting from poor blood circulation may require specific remediation. For example, in cases of varicose vein treatment, some methods include wearing compression stockings and massages. Talk to your doctor to find out what is right for you!

Good circulation ensures the proper functioning of all organs and tissues of the human body, improving the quality of life and the feeling of well-being. At the slightest sign of complications from poor circulation, it is recommended to consult a qualified specialist doctor.

In any case, prevention is better than cure. Incorporating some habit changes helps a lot to avoid health problems.

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