New Delhi: Poor blood circulation is a progressive and painless condition that many people overlook in its early stages. Since the symptoms are mild, intermittent, or easily dismissed as fatigue, aging, or prolonged standing, they are often overlooked until serious complications arise. Nevertheless, the body always provides subtle warning signs well before the condition becomes serious.
What are the symptoms of poor blood circulation?
In an interaction with News9Live, Prof. (Dr.) Digvijay Sharma, Associate Director, Vascular Surgery & Interventions, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi, spoke about the silent threat of poor blood circulation, and the symptoms of it.
Perhaps the most frequently overlooked symptom of poor blood circulation is pain in the legs that occurs after walking a certain distance and resolves with rest. Many people mistakenly believe that this is merely muscle fatigue, but it may actually be a sign of decreased arterial blood flow to the legs. This condition, known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), occurs when the arteries are narrowed to the point that they restrict the amount of oxygen-rich blood flowing to the muscles of the legs. As a consequence, the muscles will begin to ache during exercise because they are not receiving sufficient blood flow.
Another symptom that people usually overlook is the intermittent numbness or tingling sensations in the legs and feet. Although occasional episodes of numbness are not serious, frequent episodes can be an indicator of poor circulation. Inadequate arterial blood flow deprives nerves and tissues of essential oxygen and nutrients, leading to numbness and tingling.
Intermittent leg, ankle, and foot swelling is commonly associated with venous circulation issues. Unlike arteries, which supply blood to the legs, veins are tasked with the responsibility of returning blood to the heart. When veins are not working properly, blood starts pooling in the lower extremities, resulting in swelling. This is commonly observed at the end of the day when people often dismiss it as a result of standing or sitting for too long.
Poor venous circulation can result in skin discoloration, swelling in the legs, itching, and the development of varicose veins. If ignored, it can lead to more serious health issues like venous ulcers or deep vein thrombosis.
One of the reasons why these symptoms are overlooked is that they are not consistent during the early stages. The pain may not be felt every day. The swelling may go down at night. The numbness may be intermittent. This makes people put off seeking medical help.
But overlooking these symptoms can be dangerous. Severe blockages of the arteries can result in tissue damage, open wounds, infections, and even a possible risk of losing a limb. Similarly, the formation of blood clots in the legs can travel to the lungs, resulting in a pulmonary embolism, which is a life-threatening condition.
Some people are more prone to circulation disorders. These include people with diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, smoking habits, and a sedentary lifestyle. Also, older people are more prone to circulation disorders since their blood vessels naturally lose elasticity with age.
It is very important to detect circulation disorders early. Simple tests like vascular assessment, Doppler studies, or ankle-brachial index tests can help detect circulation disorders before any complications set in. Even at this early stage, treatment may include lifestyle changes, medications, or minimally invasive techniques that can greatly improve blood flow.
It is crucial to pay attention to the signs your body is sending you. Leg pain after walking, numbness, swelling, skin changes, or wounds that take a long time to heal should never be brushed aside. Such symptoms are not just mere annoyances but could be warning signs of a circulation problem.
Being aware of these signs and taking the initiative to seek medical advice could save you from long-term damage to your limbs and, in some instances, even save your life
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