Blood circulation is a vital process for an individual to function regularly. The blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the body, including the liver, skin, and immune system. A lack of proper circulation may result in unusual symptoms that could affect one’s quality of life and overall health. However, these signs are often confused with other complications, and therefore, it is important to know the warning signs that may indicate poor blood circulation.
Swelling
Sometimes an individual may experience signs like swelling (edema) in the ankles, feet, and legs. The symptoms may occur when blood pools in one area of the body. Along with swelling, one may notice stiffness, heaviness, taut or warm skin in the surrounding joints, and pain.
Cognitive impairment
Blood is necessary for multiple brain functions, such as involuntary breathing, speech, memory, thought, and the ability to walk. The lack of circulation may result in trouble focusing and the loss of memory, which could affect one’s relationships, work, and other activities.
Skin alterations
Another common symptom of poor blood circulation is changes in the skin. One may develop twisted, bulging blue varicose veins that may appear on the legs and ankles. The symptom may occur when a valve within the vein fails, which could disrupt blood circulation. Even regions like the feet, hands, nose, ears, and lips may be affected by the change in color.
Numbness
Poor blood circulation may lead to numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. If something restricts blood flow, it may not reach various parts of the body efficiently. Therefore, one may also have sensations of pins and needles in places where there is a lack of proper blood circulation.
Cold feet and hands
Blood flow is essential to regulate the temperature of the body. So, if one notices colder feet and hands when compared to the rest of the body, it could be a sign of poor blood circulation. Health complications like Raynaud’s phenomenon may lead to the lack of warmth in these extremities.
Diarrhea
The digestive process is reliant on blood flow, and therefore, the lack of proper blood circulation could lead to gastrointestinal complications like diarrhea. One may also experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, constipation, cramping, and bloody stools if there is a problem with their gastrointestinal health due to low blood flow.
Fatigue
One’s energy levels are dependent on multiple factors including the smooth flow of blood. So, a drop in blood circulation could increase fatigue and hamper one’s muscular strength. Individuals may also experience mental fatigue after strenuous tasks if they suffer from poor blood circulation.
Leg ulcers
The lack of proper blood flow could prevent the body from healing quickly and effectively. As a result, one may develop ulcers in the legs and feet. This may occur as the blood pools in the veins of the legs, which could cause swelling beneath the skin.
If an individual notices these symptoms, they should speak to a healthcare expert for diagnosis immediately. The professional may suggest various treatments, including prescriptions, lifestyle changes, and surgery. The doctor may also recommend gene therapy, where genetic material is encoded for proteins and inserted into an individual’s leg. The therapy could help improve blood flow by restoring blood vessels.
