Poor circulation isn't a single disease but a symptom of underlying conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which narrows leg arteries, or Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a dangerous clot; other causes include diabetes, varicose veins, Raynaud's disease (affecting fingers/toes), and heart failure, all impacting blood flow and causing symptoms like coldness, numbness, pain, or swelling.
Poor circulation, especially in people with diabetes, can make injuries slow to heal. A number of conditions, including diabetes, peripheral artery disease (PAD), high blood pressure and high cholesterol, can interfere with blood flow and cause poor circulation.
IIt's not a serious threat to your health, but can be painful and difficult to live with. If can affect your ability to move your fingers and hands. People with Raynaud's often go for long periods without any symptoms, and sometimes the condition goes away altogether.
Poor circulation doesn't just make a person uncomfortable. It's usually a sign of an underlying health problem that isn't being well-managed. These can include peripheral artery disease, coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes, to name a few.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a common condition in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the arms or legs. This condition also may be called peripheral arterial disease. In PAD, the legs or arms — usually the legs — don't get enough blood flow to keep up with demand.
What diseases affect the circulatory system?
Symptoms of peripheral arterial disease
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by thickening and scarring of the skin and vital organs, and the narrowing of the blood vessels which lead to poor circulation. An estimated 100,000 people in the U.S. are living with scleroderma, and there are about 7,000 to 8,000 new cases every year.
Coronary heart disease
angina – chest pain caused by restricted blood flow to the heart muscle. heart attacks – where the blood flow to the heart muscle is suddenly blocked. heart failure – where the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly.
We offer a range of diagnostic tests to diagnose poor circulation, including ultrasound, angiography and CT scans. Treatments can include medications that lower blood pressure and thin the blood. Sometimes, procedures like angioplasty may be needed to open up blocked arteries.
Raynaud's disease alone usually won't shorten your life span. However, if it occurs with a secondary condition such as scleroderma or another autoimmune disease, life span or quality of life may be impacted by those conditions if not adequately treated.
Experts don't fully understand the cause of Raynaud's attacks. But blood vessels in the hands and feet appear to react too strongly to cold temperatures or stress. With Raynaud's, blood vessels to the fingers and toes narrow when exposed to cold or stress. The narrowed vessels limit blood flow.
Image-guided botox injections performed by radiologists can help fight against the symptoms of Raynaud's disease for up to 6 months. Continue reading to learn more about Raynaud's syndrome, and how this safe, effective procedure helps blood circulate properly, keeping fingers and toes warm.
Numbness, weakness and swelling
Lack of blood supply to the extremities can result in feelings of weakness and numbness in these areas. When poor blood circulation interferes with the kidneys, it can lead to abnormal swelling, particularly in the feet.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Low levels have been linked to reduced blood flow in the legs and increased risk for certain vein problems.
Other signs you may have atherosclerosis (blocked arteries)
Diabetes: Having too much glucose in your blood can harm your blood vessels. Deep vein thrombosis: Your body makes a blood clot in your leg, which reduces blood flow. Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot in your leg breaks off and goes to your lung, which keeps blood from getting to your lung.
Symptoms
Cardiomyopathy is a disease that weakens the heart muscle. This makes it harder for your heart to pump blood. The word "cardiomyopathy" means "heart muscle disease." Learn more about how the heart works. Cardiomyopathy can affect people of any sex, race, or age.
Poor circulation in veins can lead to conditions such as:
Common symptoms of autoimmune disease include:
Lupus and Sjogren's syndrome are both autoimmune diseases. Up to 5.5 million people in the U.S. have been diagnosed with lupus or Sjogren's syndrome. However, Sjogren's syndrome occurs up to three times more than lupus, but one-third of lupus patients also have Sjogren's syndrome.
Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in muscles. Pain (described as burning or aching) at rest, commonly in the toes and at night while lying flat. Paleness when the legs are elevated. Reddish-blue discoloration of the extremities.
Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow in patients with circulation problems to reduce aching, cramping, and tiredness in the hands and feet. It works by decreasing the thickness (viscosity) of blood. This change allows your blood to flow more easily, especially in the small blood vessels of the hands and feet.
Symptoms of a blocked artery in the leg, often Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), typically start as muscle pain, cramping, or fatigue in the calves, thighs, or hips during activity (like walking) that goes away with rest, known as claudication. More severe blockage causes resting leg pain, cool skin, slow-healing sores, hair loss, shiny skin, or even gangrene, indicating significantly reduced blood flow.