Poor Circulation

This condition can be something that really affects life quality. There are three major components of our circulatory system : 

• Arterial - the flow from the heart, under high pressure, into the tissues, carrying oxygen
• Venous - the low pressure flow from the limbs back to the heart, carrying mostly carbon dioxide
• Lymphatic - the additional extra protein rich fluid from the limbs and tissues back to the heart.

A dysfunction in any one of these systems can cause poor circulation and lead to numerous problems.

Common causes of poor circulation

• Smoking
• Diabetes
• Varicose veins
• Lymphatic problems - like elephantiasis
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Cholesterol
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Hypertension
• Heart failure
• Emphysema
• Long periods of sitting - e.g. long flights.
• Some thyroid conditions
• Employment with long periods of standing (teachers, beauty and massage therapists etc)

Symptoms of poor circulation:

• Aching in calves during excercise which abates with rest
• Legs that pain at night when elevated
• Swelling feet and legs
• Dark discolouration of skin (hyperpigmentation) of lower extremities
• Hair stops growing
• Ulcers in the legs
• Numbness in the feet
• Hypersensitivity of the feet
• Visible bulging veins in the lower legs
• Heaviness in legs

There are many facets to treating poor circulation, and first a diagnosis must be made as to the cause. This can mean some blood tests for cholesterol, and diabetes, or ultrasound to check flow rates or arteriograms to see where blockages are.