There are several prescription drugs that may improve symptoms in people with poor circulation. Some doctors may also prescribe aspirin or other anticlotting drugs.

For severe peripheral artery disease, the vascular experts of Lam Vascular may recommend peripheral artery bypass surgery or one of the following minimally-invasive vascular procedures:.

To better serve the patient population living with PAD, Dr. Lam and his team created the PAD Resources Portal. This easy-to-navigate, comprehensive deep-dive into the topic of peripheral artery disease will tell you everything you need to know. From risk factors and symptoms to treatments and prevention tips, the PAD Resources Portal is an invaluable tool.

Many vascular centers specialize in a specific subset of procedures. This unique and state-of-the-art center is designed to help you fully understand your options, and with guidance from Dr.

Poor circulation is more than just an inconvenience or an annoyance. It is something that should not be ignored as it can point to other health problems. If you suffer from poor circulation and have any of the other symptoms mentioned, see your primary care physician at Lam Vascular.

Call today or click here to request an appointment! Recognized at national, regional and local levels, Dr. Lam and his team have been awarded many times over.

The goal with every patient is to alleviate pain and restore freedom so you can do what you love to do. Your next step matters.

The information contained in this website is neither intended to dictate what constitutes reasonable, appropriate or best care for any given health issue, nor is it intended to be used as a substitute for the independent judgment of a physician for any given health issue.

Patient results will vary based on risk factors, age, disease and medical history. Please seek physician's advice. Like any procedure, it may come with benefits, risks or side effects associated. When atherosclerosis develops in the upper and lower limbs, this is called peripheral artery disease PAD.

Some people with PAD may have no symptoms. However, when they occur, symptoms of PAD may include:. Treatment and reducing risk factors for PAD is vital to reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Diabetes can cause circulation problems and related conditions, such as PAD. Over time, high blood glucose levels can damage blood vessels and cause plaque to build up. It is essential for people with diabetes to correctly manage their blood glucose levels, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels to maintain blood flow.

Diabetes can also cause nerve damage, and high levels of glucose may lead to a condition called diabetic neuropathy. A clot in a blood vessel can restrict blood flowing to or from organs or tissues.

In some cases, a clot completely blocks blood flow. A blood clot can be painful. If a clot travels, it can have severe consequences, such as:.

Blood clots can develop anywhere in the body and lead to circulation problems. However, if a doctor detects them early, treatment can be successful. Extra weight can reduce blood flow to the brain and far extremities. Overweight and obesity are also risk factors for other conditions that can contribute to poor circulation, including:.

This condition causes blood vessels to narrow. Narrowed vessels and restricted blood flow can cause numbness, tingling, and a cold feeling in the hands and feet, and the effects may become more severe with time.

Smoking tobacco products can narrow blood vessels, increase plaque buildup, and damage tissue throughout the circulatory system.

Smoking also increases the risk of developing conditions that cause poor circulation. According to the British Heart Foundation , physical inactivity can contribute to circulatory problems by causing fat buildups in the arteries.

Physical inactivity can increase the risk of circulatory health conditions, including:. Poor circulation occurs with a range of health conditions. Treatment for poor circulation will depend on the underlying cause. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications to prevent complications and improve symptoms.

This may include the following:. Doctors may also suggest lifestyle changes to improve circulation and reduce the risk of health conditions that can cause poor circulation.

These changes may include:. Regular exercise can improve overall heart health and increase muscular strength. People can work with a healthcare professional to create an exercise regime suitable for their activity ability.

If a person does not receive treatment, they may develop life threatening complications, including blood clots and infected skin ulcers.

It is essential to report symptoms of poor circulation to a doctor, to receive appropriate treatment, and to maintain a healthful lifestyle. Your doctor can help you work out why symptoms are occurring and suggest suitable treatment.

Treating circulatory problems early can help prevent serious complications such as a stroke or heart attack. Treating any causes of circulatory problems in the early stages is likely to improve the outlook. If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Some signs of poor circulation in the arms and legs are numbness, tingling, and pain. There may also be a blue tinge to the nail beds. Smoking and a lack of exercise are also likely to contribute. Options include seeking treatment for any underlying conditions, exercising regularly, managing weight, and following a varied diet that provides essential nutrients.

Circulatory problems can happen for many reasons, and some can lead to life threatening complications without treatment. Smoking, obesity, diabetes, and older age are some of the risk factors for poor circulation, but genetic conditions, infections, and lifestyle habits can contribute.

If you notice tingling, pain, or other signs that could indicate circulatory problems, seek medical advice. Often, treatment can help prevent complications. If your arteries become blocked, you may experience a heart attack or stroke. If this happens, it is essential to seek emergency medical help at once.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. Poor circulation is a common problem, and though these issues are often treated with medications, eating certain foods can also help.

Here are the 13…. If you're looking for how to increase circulation in your legs, we go over several simple exercises and a host of non-exercise tips to get the blood…. Your doctor may recommend DVT compression stockings to reduce swelling and improve blood flow.

Practitioners of both traditional and alternative medicine agree that proper blood circulation is important for health. There are a number of…. We review how to recognize and manage symptoms of peripheral artery disease in your foot and leg.

PVD is a group of conditions involving problems with blood vessels outside your heart and brain. PAD is a type of PVD. The are four main stages to PAD, with the early ones being subtle and easily treatable, and the late stages being life threatening.

Let's look deeper…. Skin changes associated with PAD include discoloration, dryness, and shiny or smooth texture. It also poses increased risk of developing foot sores…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Symptoms and Causes of Poor Circulation in the Arms and Legs.

Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD — By Kimberly Holland — Updated on February 14, Symptoms Causes Diagnosis Treatment Natural remedies Outlook FAQs Summary If you have poor circulation, you may experience symptoms, including tingling and muscle cramps.

Symptoms of poor circulation. Causes of poor circulation. Diagnosing poor circulation. Treating poor circulation. Natural remedies.

There are many venous diseases, but two of the most common are Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins. The veins then have a hard time returning blood back to the heart. One treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency is Sclerotherapy , which will close the veins.

This way the blood will return to the heart through veins that work well. This is a short, non-invasive procedure, you will be able to resume daily activities quickly. Varicose veins happen when there is damage to the valves within your veins.

Swollen veins cause blood to flow less efficiently, which leads to poor circulation. Varicose veins can be treated with an Ambulatory Phlebectomy. This procedure takes about an hour, and the patient will be able to walk immediately after. An aneurysm refers to a part of an artery or blood vessel that has become unsafely enlarged due to weakened vascular walls.

The biggest threat of an aneurysm is its ability to rupture. This can be almost immediately fatal depending on where the aneurysm is. Even in less severe cases, they can lead to internal bleeding and a stroke.

Sometimes they can be found accidentally. Smoking significantly increases your risk of developing aneurysm, especially abdominal aorta the major blood vessel that supplies your intestines and lower extremities. If you are over the age of 65 and have ever smoked, a simple ultrasound can be done to assess for abdominal aneurysms.

It is also common for aneurysms to be located in the brain, behind the knee, in the intestine, and in the spleen.

If you are diagnosed with an aneurysm, a vascular surgeon can treat it and help prevent it from rupturing. Most aneurysms can be fixed without major surgery and most patients are able to return to normal daily life in just a few days. A blood clot can occur when any blood vessel in the body has a blockage.

The blood turns to a semisolid form from its typical liquid form. A blood clot can be detrimental if it dislodges and becomes mobile within your circulatory system. If a blood clot travels to your lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism. If a blood clot travels to your heart, it can cause a heart attack.

A blood clot that travels to the brain typically causes a stroke. While a blood clot can dissolve on its own, this is not always the case. If you have pain, swelling, tenderness, a warm sensation, and a reddish discoloration in your legs or arms, you should seek medical attention.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually the result of poor diet and exercise. Hypertension can be a warning sign for declining vascular health and should be treated as such.

Maintaining an inactive lifestyle and obesity can also cause poor circulation, as well as your age. People over the age of 65 tend to have poor blood circulation. This is most likely because of the more sedentary lifestyle that a lot of seniors lead.

It is important to improve your circulation so that your body works properly through self-care or treatment. Exercise helps move blood around your body and therefore helps improve circulation. Specific yoga poses can help aid your body in returning blood to the heart more efficiently.

Downward Dog, Warrior II, and Legs up the wall are the most advised, but almost any yoga pose can help. Staying hydrated is an easy way to improve circulation. You should aim to drink 84 oz of water a day, more or less depending on your lifestyle, age, and weight.

Eliminating processed foods and eating more whole grains and vegetables is good for your circulation as well as the rest of your body. It is suggested that a vegan diet can improve your circulation, be sure to consult your doctor before making any major diet change.

Adding foods and spices to your diet such as cayenne pepper, beets, berries, fish, and any other iron-rich foods has been shown to improve vascular health. Exercises to improve circulation include walking, biking, swimming, push-ups, and weight training.

Any exercise that raises your heart rate will help improve your vascular health and overall body health. Additionally, breathing techniques can help improve your blood circulation. Your doctor may have specific therapies or life changes in mind.

You should always consult your physician before making any major alterations to your lifestyle. To repeat, one of the most dangerous results of poor blood circulation is blood clots. Blood clots can be fatal if they are not caught in time. If you think you have any of the above-mentioned conditions, it is important you contact a medical professional as soon as possible.

Do not hesitate to seek immediate emergency medical attention if you are experiencing symptoms of a blood clot or stroke. Our goal is to offer you individualized and accessible treatment options. You will see one of our esteemed Board-Certified Cardiologists or Vascular Surgeons , who will look at your symptoms and do tests to determine where your symptoms of poor blood circulation are coming from and how to best treat the issue.

In today's fast-paced and demanding world, stress and anxiety have become prominent concerns for many individuals. However, most people may not realize the profound impact of chronic stress and strain on heart health.

Research shows a clear association between Read More. Maintaining a healthy heart is vital for overall well-being. While regular exercise and a balanced lifestyle play a crucial role, a well-rounded diet is equally important.

To support heart health, it is essential to include nutrient-rich foods that promote Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death internationally, with heart attacks necessitating swift action to reduce permanent damage.

Recognizing the signs, symptoms, and acting proactively can save lives. This post will help you understand the key Did you know that prolonged stress has been linked with heart disease? Once thought of as separate entities, there is mounting evidence to suggest a strong connection between our emotional health and our physical heart health.

Congratulations to Dr. Tim Hinohara, Interventional and Structural Cardiologist! Hinohara recently performed the first Atrial Septal Defect ASD procedure using the Gore Cardioform ASD Occluder device at HCA Northwest Hospital. An ASD is a hole in the heart Khaled Khalaf, Interventional Cardiologist, and Dr.

Eric Trestman, Vascular Surgeon, were both recently selected to be on the academic panel for Hendolat's Vein Congress. The program consisted of experts on the panel covering the latest in treatments for vein Call Us At: or Click this box to make an appointment.

Symptoms of Poor Circulation in the Body Vascular Issues May 18, Blog , Blood Pressure , Heart Disease. These could be symptoms of poor circulation.

Your skin might also appear pale or blue because of a lack of blood flow. How Does the Circulatory System Work? What Causes Poor Circulation? Peripheral Artery Disease Unhealthy cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis.

Cerebral Atherosclerosis Another important area of Peripheral Artery Disease is atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries. If the physician suspects stenosis, diagnostic tests such as Doppler ultrasound, carotid duplex or cerebral angiography will be recommended.

Treatment is determined by the extent of the narrowing and the condition of the patient. For many people with arteries narrowed less than 50 percent, medication is prescribed to help reduce the risk of ischemic stroke.

These include antihypertensives to control high blood pressure, medications to reduce cholesterol levels, and anticoagulants to thin blood and prevent it from clotting. Carotid endarterectomy is a procedure in which the neurosurgeon makes an incision in the carotid artery and removes the plaque using a dissecting tool.

Removing the plaque is accomplished by widening the passageway, which helps to restore normal blood flow. The artery will be repaired with sutures or a graft. The entire procedure usually takes about two hours. The patient may experience pain near the incision in the neck and some difficulty swallowing during the first few days after surgery.

Most patients are able to go home after one or two days and return to work, usually within a month. Avoid driving and limit physical activities for a few weeks after surgery.

An alternative, new form of treatment, carotid angioplasty and stenting, shows some promise in patients who may be at too high risk to undergo surgery.

Carotid stenting is a procedure in which a tiny, slender metal-mesh tube is fitted inside your carotid artery to increase the flow of blood blocked by plaques. The stent is inserted following a procedure called angioplasty, in which the doctor guides a balloon-tipped catheter into the blocked artery.

The balloon is inflated and pressed against the plaque, flattening it and re-opening the artery. The stent acts as scaffolding to prevent the artery from collapsing or from closing up again after the procedure is completed.

A cerebral or cranial aneurysm is an area where a blood vessel in the brain weakens, resulting in a bulging or ballooning out of part of the vessel wall.

Usually, aneurysms develop at the point where a blood vessel branches, because the "fork" is structurally more vulnerable. The disorder may result from congenital defects or from other conditions such as high blood pressure, atherosclerosis the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries or head trauma.

Aneurysms occur in all age groups, but the incidence increases steadily for individuals age 25 and older, is most prevalent in people ages 50 to 60 and is about three times more prevalent in women.

The outcome for patients treated before a ruptured aneurysm is much better than for those treated after, so the need for adequate evaluation of patients suspected of having a cerebral aneurysm is very important.

Unruptured cerebral aneurysms can be detected by noninvasive measures, including MRA and a carotid angiogram. A rupture can be detected by a CT scan or lumbar puncture. If these tests suggest the presence of an aneurysm, formal cerebral angiography may be performed.

People who suffer a ruptured brain aneurysm may have some or all of these warning signs: localized headache, nausea and vomiting, stiff neck, blurred or double vision, sensitivity to light photophobia , or loss of sensation.

Many people with unruptured brain aneurysms have no symptoms. Others might experience some or all of the following symptoms, which may be possible signs of an aneurysm: cranial nerve palsy, dilated pupils, double vision, pain above and behind eye and localized headache.

When cerebral aneurysms rupture, they usually cause bleeding in the brain, resulting in a subarachnoid hemorrhage. Blood can also leak into the cerebrospinal fluid CSF or areas surrounding the brain and cause an intracranial hematoma a blood clot.

Blood can irritate, damage or destroy nearby brain cells. This may cause problems with bodily functions or mental skills. In more serious cases, the bleeding may cause brain damage, paralysis or coma.

Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 50 percent of cases. An operation to "clip" the aneurysm is performed by doing a craniotomy opening the skull surgically , and isolating the aneurysm from the bloodstream using one or more clips, which allows it to deflate.

Surgical repair of cerebral aneurysms is not possible if they are located in unreachable parts of the brain. Angiography is used to visualize closure of the aneurysm and preserve normal flow of blood in the brain.

A less invasive technique which does not require an operation, called endovascular therapy, uses micro catheters to deliver coils to the site of the enlarged blood vessel that occludes closes up the aneurysm from inside the blood vessel.

A procedure called balloon assisted coiling uses a tiny balloon catheter to help hold the coil in place. A procedure called combination stent and coiling utilizes a small flexible cylindrical mesh tube that provides a scaffold for the coiling.

Aneurysms may be treated with endovascular techniques when the risk of surgery is too high. While the best method of securing the aneurysm should be made on an individual basis, in general, patients with a ruptured cerebral aneurysm should be treated as soon as possible.

Postsurgical complications can include vasospasm and hydrocephalus. Vasospasm is a sudden constriction of a blood vessel that reduces the blood flow.

Hydrocephalus is a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid CSF builds up within the ventricles fluid-containing cavities of the brain and may increase pressure within the head. The term vascular malformation refers to an abnormal connection of an artery, vein or both.

These include malformations of normal veins or arteries leading directly to veins. Vascular malformations are formed as the blood vessels in the brain develop during pregnancy, but the direct cause is unknown. An AVM is a tangle of abnormal and poorly formed blood vessels arteries and veins , with a higher rate of bleeding than normal vessels.

AVMs can occur anywhere in the body, but brain AVMs present substantial risks when they bleed. Dural AVMs occur in the covering of the brain, and are an acquired disorder that may be triggered by an injury. AVMs are usually diagnosed through a combination of MRI and angiography.

AVMs can irritate the surrounding brain and cause seizures or headaches. Left untreated, AVMs can enlarge and rupture, causing intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage and permanent brain damage. Every year, about four out of every people with an AVM will experience a hemorrhage.

Preventing the rupture of vascular malformations is one of the major reasons that early neurosurgical treatment is recommended for AVMs. A treatment plan is devised to offer the lowest risk, yet highest chance of obliterating the lesion. The three types of treatment available include direct removal using microsurgical techniques, stereotactic radiosurgery and embolization using neuroendovascular techniques.

Although microsurgical treatment affords the opportunity for immediate removal of the AVM, some AVMs may best be treated by a combination of therapies.

Stereotactic radiosurgery is a minimally invasive treatment that uses computer guidance to concentrate radiation to the malformed vessels of the brain.

This radiation causes abnormal vessels to close off. Unfortunately, stereotactic radiosurgery is usually limited to lesions less than 3. Embolization uses neuroendovascular techniques to guide tiny catheters into the small cerebral vessels of the brain that feed the AVM.

Once the catheter reaches the core of the AVM, liquid glue or particles can be injected to occlude portions of the AVM or its feeding arteries. Neuroendovascular therapy can make subsequent surgical removal of an AVM safer or can reduce the size of an AVM to a volume in which radiosurgery offers a higher efficacy.

Moyamoya disease is a progressive disease of the carotid arteries and their major branches that can lead to irreversible blockage. The name comes from the Japanese word for a "puff of smoke" due to the appearance of the lesions that form.

In fact, it affects people of Japanese origin far more commonly than the rest of the population. It is a disease that tends to affect children and adults in the third to fourth decades of life. Children with the disease may have strokes, TIAs, slowly progressive cognitive decline, seizures or involuntary movements of the extremities.

Adults more commonly experience intracranial hemorrhages as a result of the disease. There are several surgeries that have been developed for the condition, but currently the most favored are EDAS, EMS, STA-MCA and multiple burr holes.

The EDAS encephaloduroarteriosynangiosis procedure requires dissecting a scalp artery over a length of several inches and then making a small temporary opening in the skull directly beneath the artery.

The artery is then sutured to the surface of the brain and the bone replaced. In EMS encephalomyosynangiosis surgery, the temporalis muscle, which is in the temple region of the forehead, is dissected and through an opening in the skull, placed onto the surface of the brain.

Other operations include the STA-MCA superficial temporal artery-middle cerebral artery , in which a scalp artery is directly sutured to a brain surface artery, and a procedure in which multiple small holes burr holes are placed in the skull to allow for growth of new vessels into the brain from the scalp.

Patients with venous angiomas may have headaches or seizures, although these symptoms may be unrelated to the angiomas. More commonly, these lesions are asymptomatic and are identified when patients are being evaluated for other conditions. They rarely bleed, so treatment is usually not necessary.

They affect approximately 2 percent of the general population. A far rarer malformation is the VGM, sometimes detected in prenatal testing, or through heart failure in infants.

Occurring during embryonic development, a VGM is an abnormal connection between arteries and the deep draining veins of the brain. Under normal conditions, these arteries and veins are connected by capillaries that function to slow blood flow through the brain, allowing for the necessary exchange of oxygen and nutrients.

A VGM has a thicker wall than an AVM and is unlikely to rupture and bleed. However, because a VGM does not have capillaries, the blood may flow extremely fast, putting excessive strain on the heart, which may result in cardiac failure.

It is very important that children suffering from this condition be evaluated and diagnosed by experts so that appropriate treatment measures are taken.

Embolization is the method of choice for treating patients with VGMs. Angiogram — A study which shows the blood vessels leading to and in the brain by injecting a dye or contrast substance through a catheter placed in the artery of the leg.

Angiography — Radiography of blood vessels using the injection of material opaque to X-rays, to better define the vessels. Anticoagulant — Any medicine that keeps blood from clotting; a blood thinner.

Antihypertensive — Any medicine or other therapy that lowers blood pressure. Artery — A blood vessel that carries blood away from the heart to the body. Atherosclerosis — A disease process that leads to the buildup of fat and cholesterol, called plaque, inside blood vessels.

Bruit — A sound made in the blood vessels resulting from turbulence, perhaps due to a buildup of plaque or damage to the vessels.

Carotid artery — A major artery on the right and left side of the neck supplying blood to the brain. Cerebral embolism — A blood clot from one part of the body that is carried by the bloodstream to the brain, where it blocks an artery. Cerebral hemorrhage — Bleeding within the brain resulting from a ruptured blood vessel, aneurysm or head injury.

Cerebral infarction — A stroke caused by interruption or blockage of blood flow to the brain; also called ischemic stroke. Cerebral thrombosis — Formation of a blood clot in an artery that supplies blood to part of the brain. Cerebrovascular — Pertaining to the brain and the blood vessels that supply it.

Cerebrovascular occlusion — The blocking or closing up of a blood vessel in the brain. Endarterectomy — Removal of fatty or cholesterol plaques and calcified deposits from the internal wall of an artery. Endovascular — Pertaining to a surgical procedure in which a catheter containing medications or miniature instruments is inserted through the skin into a blood vessel for the treatment of vascular disease.

Hydrocephalus — a condition in which excess cerebrospinal fluid CSF builds up within the ventricles fluid-containing cavities of the brain and may increase pressure within the head.

Ischemia — Inadequate circulation of blood generally due to a blockage of an artery. Ischemic stroke — A stroke caused by interruption or blockage of blood flow to the brain. Jugular veins — The veins that carry blood back from the head to the heart.

Plaque — A deposit of fatty and other substances in the inner lining of the artery wall, which usually leads to atherosclerosis.

Stent — A device made of expandable, metal mesh that is placed by using a balloon catheter at the site of a narrowing artery. The stent is then expanded and left in place to keep the artery open. Subarachnoid hemorrhage — Blood in, or bleeding into, the space under the arachnoid membrane, most commonly from trauma or from rupture of an aneurysm.

Transient ischemic attack TIA — A temporary interruption of the blood supply to an area of the brain; also called a mini-stroke. It usually lasts only a few minutes and causes no permanent damage or disability. The AANS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products or physicians referenced in these patient fact sheets.

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Cerebrovascular Disease The word cerebrovascular is made up of two parts — "cerebro" which refers to the large part of the brain, and "vascular" which means arteries and veins. Blood Flow to the Brain.

There are many diseases of the circulatory system, it is important to figure out if your poor circulation is a symptom of something more serious. It is crucial to find the cause behind poor blood circulation. The condition or disease needs to be treated, rather than only treating the symptoms.

The most common vascular diseases, also known as diseases of the circulatory system, are discussed in the following sections.

Unhealthy cholesterol levels can lead to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis can then lead to Peripheral Artery Disease. Fat and plaque buildup in the blood vessels and arteries can cause blood clots.

Peripheral Artery Disease is when there is a blockage in one of the major arteries limiting blood flow to the. Patients who have diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol have a higher risk for Peripheral Artery Disease.

Smokers have a much higher risk of developing Peripheral Artery Disease than those who do not smoke. Patients who also have pre-existing coronary artery disease or kidney failure are also at an increased risk. Treatments for Peripheral Artery Disease can be as simple as a proper diet and exercise regimen.

Treatments also include taking blood pressure medications, stopping smoking, treating existing diabetes, or taking anti-platelet agents such as aspirin.

If left untreated, Peripheral Artery Disease can lead to serious leg pain, which indicates a blood clot. It can also lead to the reduced ability to walk, gangrene, and result in amputation. Peripheral Artery Disease can increase your risk for a heart attack. Atherosclerosis is the most common cause of a heart attack.

If you believe you may be suffering from symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease, a vascular specialist can help you determine the right treatment option.

These treatments can include medications, minimally invasive intervention, or possibly surgery. Another important area of Peripheral Artery Disease is atherosclerosis of the carotid arteries.

These are the arteries that supply blood to your brain. These arteries start at the base of your neck and lead upwards toward the brain.

Blockages in these arteries can lead to a stroke. Signs of a stroke are weakness in the arm or leg, paralysis, blindness in one or both of the eyes, facial droop, and difficulty speaking.

Patients with risk factors for Peripheral Artery Disease are also at risk for carotid disease. It is important that if you have risk factors for carotid disease that you see a medical professional.

A simple diagnosis can be made by ultrasound testing and treatment can start. If you have a severe plaque build-up, a vascular surgeon can treat this problem.

This will be through surgery or the placement of a stent to help treat the blockage and prevent a stroke. Venous diseases are a disease which damages valves in your veins. These diseases can prevent blood from flowing the correct way in your body. There are many venous diseases, but two of the most common are Chronic Venous Insufficiency and Varicose Veins.

The veins then have a hard time returning blood back to the heart. One treatment for Chronic Venous Insufficiency is Sclerotherapy , which will close the veins.

This way the blood will return to the heart through veins that work well. This is a short, non-invasive procedure, you will be able to resume daily activities quickly. Varicose veins happen when there is damage to the valves within your veins.

Swollen veins cause blood to flow less efficiently, which leads to poor circulation. Varicose veins can be treated with an Ambulatory Phlebectomy. This procedure takes about an hour, and the patient will be able to walk immediately after. An aneurysm refers to a part of an artery or blood vessel that has become unsafely enlarged due to weakened vascular walls.

The biggest threat of an aneurysm is its ability to rupture. This can be almost immediately fatal depending on where the aneurysm is. Even in less severe cases, they can lead to internal bleeding and a stroke.

Sometimes they can be found accidentally. Smoking significantly increases your risk of developing aneurysm, especially abdominal aorta the major blood vessel that supplies your intestines and lower extremities.

If you are over the age of 65 and have ever smoked, a simple ultrasound can be done to assess for abdominal aneurysms. It is also common for aneurysms to be located in the brain, behind the knee, in the intestine, and in the spleen.

If you are diagnosed with an aneurysm, a vascular surgeon can treat it and help prevent it from rupturing. Most aneurysms can be fixed without major surgery and most patients are able to return to normal daily life in just a few days. A blood clot can occur when any blood vessel in the body has a blockage.

The blood turns to a semisolid form from its typical liquid form. A blood clot can be detrimental if it dislodges and becomes mobile within your circulatory system. If a blood clot travels to your lungs, it can cause a pulmonary embolism. If a blood clot travels to your heart, it can cause a heart attack.

A blood clot that travels to the brain typically causes a stroke. While a blood clot can dissolve on its own, this is not always the case. If you have pain, swelling, tenderness, a warm sensation, and a reddish discoloration in your legs or arms, you should seek medical attention.

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually the result of poor diet and exercise. Hypertension can be a warning sign for declining vascular health and should be treated as such. Maintaining an inactive lifestyle and obesity can also cause poor circulation, as well as your age.

People over the age of 65 tend to have poor blood circulation. This is most likely because of the more sedentary lifestyle that a lot of seniors lead.

It is important to improve your circulation so that your body works properly through self-care or treatment. Exercise helps move blood around your body and therefore helps improve circulation.

Specific yoga poses can help aid your body in returning blood to the heart more efficiently. Downward Dog, Warrior II, and Legs up the wall are the most advised, but almost any yoga pose can help.

Staying hydrated is an easy way to improve circulation. You should aim to drink 84 oz of water a day, more or less depending on your lifestyle, age, and weight. Eliminating processed foods and eating more whole grains and vegetables is good for your circulation as well as the rest of your body.

It is suggested that a vegan diet can improve your circulation, be sure to consult your doctor before making any major diet change. Adding foods and spices to your diet such as cayenne pepper, beets, berries, fish, and any other iron-rich foods has been shown to improve vascular health. Exercises to improve circulation include walking, biking, swimming, push-ups, and weight training.

Any exercise that raises your heart rate will help improve your vascular health and overall body health. Additionally, breathing techniques can help improve your blood circulation.

Your doctor may have specific therapies or life changes in mind. You should always consult your physician before making any major alterations to your lifestyle.

To repeat, one of the most dangerous results of poor blood circulation is blood clots. Blood clots can be fatal if they are not caught in time. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available.

High blood pressure is often associated with few or no symptoms. Many people have it for years without knowing it. Learn more. The aorta carries blood from your heart to your abdomen, legs, and pelvis.

When the abdominal aortic walls are swollen, it's known as abdominal aortic…. Peripheral arterial disease PAD happens when the blood vessels in your legs and feet narrow. Learn about the causes, risk factors, and symptoms. Poor circulation is most common in your extremities, such as your legs and arms.

Learn more about the symptoms and causes of poor circulation. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, can have many damaging effects on the body. Learn about these effects and why it's important to manage…. Diabetes can cause long-term damage, from foot to nerve complications.

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Circulatory System Diseases: What You Should Know.

Medically reviewed by Debra Sullivan, Ph. High blood pressure CAD Heart attacks Heart failure Strokes Aneurism PAD Risk factors See a doctor Outlook Prevention Overview. High blood pressure. Atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. Heart attacks. Heart failure. Share on Pinterest.

Abdominal aortic aneurisms. Peripheral artery disease. What increases your risk of circulatory system diseases? When to see your doctor.

Tips for circulatory system health. Tips for circulatory health Maintain a healthy weight. Exercise a minimum of 30 minutes a day, most days of the week. Maintain a healthy, low-fat, low-cholesterol diet with more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Avoid trans fats and saturated fats, which are often found in processed foods and fast food. Limit salt and alcohol intake. Use relaxation and self-care to reduce stress.

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