Circulatory problems are not a diagnosis on their own, but they are a symptom of a few potentially dangerous conditions, and should be taken seriously! When an individual states they have circulatory problems, they are generally referring to the cardiovascular system and its distribution of blood throughout the body. However, the circulatory system can also refer to the lymphatic system and its circulation of recycled blood plasma (or lymph) from the interstitial fluid (or fluid between the cells). These two systems collectively make up the circulatory system. Let's delve deeper into understanding how our circulatory system works and how to spot symptoms of poor circulation.
Understanding Circulation
The cardiovascular circulatory system can be further divided into arterial and venous pathways. The conditions that lead to problems in these systems are different and can be varied. There are also overlapping and unique symptoms of both systems.
Various Types of Poor Circulation & Their Symptoms
Poor Arterial Circulation
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition in which the arteries that supply blood to the internal organs, as well as the extremities, are either completely or partially blocked. By far, the most common cause of these blockages is atherosclerosis, a process whereby cholesterol plaques build up along the arterial walls, hardening the arteries and narrowing the lumen/opening through which blood passes. The symptoms these plaques cause depend on the location of the arteries affected. A blockage or narrowing of the arteries supplying the heart muscle can lead to angina or a heart attack (myocardial infarction). If the carotid or cerebral arteries are affected, individuals are at a much higher risk for stroke or TIA.
Symptoms of Poor Arterial Circulation
- Numbness or tingling in the extremities
- Weakness or atrophy of the calf muscles
- Cold in the hands and feet (this is usually a change from the individual’s normal)
- Hair loss over the lower leg/ankles and the tops of the feet
- Intermittent claudication – arm or leg pain/cramping that occurs with exercise and subsides or decreases with rest.
- Pain at rest – in worsening conditions, the pain continues during rest. Usually affects the feet first.
- Painful ulcers or gangrene can occur after prolonged and severe ischemia due to a lack of blood flow. Typically seen in feet/toes first.
- Upon examination, there will be reduced pulses in the dorsalis pedis and/or posterior tibial areas.
Poor Venous Circulation
Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition in which the venous system is unable to effectively pump enough (oxygen-poor) blood back to the heart. Incompetent valves are often to blame. The venous system relies on valves, in comparison to the arterial system which relies on musculature in the artery walls, to prevent the back flow of blood. These valves are especially important in the lower limbs, where the blood is travelling against gravity. When these valves are not functioning properly, venous blood flow can travel backwards and often pools at the ankles and feet. Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) is a clot or build-up along the walls of the deep veins of the leg/lower limb. There is relatively little danger with a deep vein thrombus itself. The real danger is that a piece of the thrombus breaks off and becomes an embolus. If that piece breaks off and travels back to the heart, causing a blockage of the pulmonary heart valve (pulmonary embolus), the condition becomes life-threatening. Varicose veins are another, relatively benign example of compromised venous circulation, arising from blockages or backup of oxygen-poor blood in the superficial veins of the legs.
Symptoms (will range depending on the severity and location)
- Dull, achy, or heavy sensation in the legs
- Itching and tingling in the legs
- Swelling in the legs/feet
- Pain that is worse standing, better sitting with legs elevated above heart level.
- Varicose veins
- Discoloration of the legs and feet – reddish–purple in colour
- As in PAD, ulcers can form on the lower legs and feet.
Lymphatic Circulation
Poor lymphatic circulation tends to go hand in hand with poor cardiovascular circulation, and is important to understand for its importance in detoxification, optimal functioning of the immune system, and overall general health. Lymphedema is a condition that describes localized swelling and fluid retention due to the dysfunctional flow of lymph. When lymphatic flow is stagnant or blocked, toxic materials on their way to be eliminated, old blood cells, as well as immune cells, build up in the lymph nodes (causing hardened nodes), and if untreated, this accumulation can cause a number of problems for the body.
Symptoms of Poor Lymphatic Circulation
- Swelling, Non-pitting edema (when pressure is applied to areas of edema, and then released, there are no lasting marks/indent made)
- Heaviness of the affected part of the body
- Discoloration of the affected skin over the area of lymphedema
- Fatigue
- Can cause deformity, if left untreated (elephantiasis)
Treatments For Poor Circulation Symptoms
Conventional Options
The conventional treatment that is often prescribed for poor circulation is a baby aspirin to be taken daily. Some doctors might recommend the individual also take cholesterol-lowering medication, depending on the severity of the individual’s condition. It’s important to take the medications that are prescribed by your doctor when suffering from atherosclerosis, as they may be necessary. For preventative treatment, however, it might be beneficial to seek alternatives since these medications do not come without side effects. Some people report nutritional deficiencies with prolonged conventional treatments as well. One popular supplemental treatment for poor circulation is to wear compression stockings used to treat varicosities and venous insufficiency.
Natural Circulation Support
Skin Brushing
This is a non-invasive lifestyle intervention that can do wonders for circulation – both lymphatic and cardiovascular. Starting at the feet, run a dry skin brush (found in most health food/drug stores) upwards along the entire leg towards the heart (one leg at a time), do the same up the arms, starting at the fingertips. Over the abdomen, run the brush in a clockwise direction, and over the chest, make a figure eight pattern with the brush. Follow a circular pattern (clockwise) over the back, as well. The most important thing to remember in terms of technique is to always work towards the heart. The whole process should take at least 5 minutes. Do this daily, and follow with a cold or hot and cold shower.
Hot and Cold showers
Hot and cold showers are pretty self-explanatory. The idea behind these is to force blood flow from the organs to the extremities, back to the internal organs, back to the extremities, etc. Start with water as hot as you can make it and still be comfortable. After 3 minutes, switch to cold water, as cold as you can stand it for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Return the water to hot for another 3 minutes, then cold again for another 30 secs – 1 min. Continue this for 3-5 rounds (or more, as you get used to it), making sure to always end your shower with cold water.
Botanical Medicine
Galium is known to have a lymphatic action, meaning it supports lymphatic flow and drainage. Garlic, Motherwort, Cayenne, as well as Olive Leaf, are all circulatory herbs, with a primarily arterial circulatory action. Horse Chestnut may be especially helpful for individuals suffering from chronic venous insufficiency or varicose veins, as it supports venous integrity.
