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How to Improve Circulation

How to Improve Circulation | UPMC Italy

If you have frequent muscle cramps, tingling in your feet, or cold hands, you may have circulation problems. When your blood flow gets reduced, it affects different parts of your body, most often hands and feet.

The good news is your doctor can prescribe treatment for poor circulation in hands and feet. They can also treat the underlying conditions that cause poor circulation.

What Is Poor Circulation?

Poor circulation is often an indicator of a deeper health issue. It occurs when blood doesn’t flow properly through the body and is often associated with conditions like heart disease, obesity, and diabetes.

The circulatory system, composed of the heart, veins, arteries, and other blood vessels, plays a crucial role in transporting oxygen and nutrients to cells and removing waste. However, when blood vessels narrow or become blocked, blood flow is reduced, leading to circulation problems.

Risk Factors for Poor Circulation

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing circulation problems, including:

  • Advanced age
  • Obesity or being overweight
  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Smoking

When to See a Doctor for Poor Circulation?

If you notice symptoms of poor circulation, it’s important to consult a doctor. Signs not to ignore include:

  • Cold hands and feet
  • Recurring muscle cramps
  • Pain in areas with poor circulation
  • Shortness of breath, fatigue, or chest pain
  • Unusually pale, red, or purple skin
  • Swelling, especially in arms and legs
  • Tingling or numbness in feet or legs
  • Varicose veins in the legs

These symptoms could indicate serious underlying conditions, such as heart disease or diabetes, and require a thorough medical evaluation.

Diagnosing Poor Circulation

If you have signs of poor circulation, it’s essential to consult your primary care physician, who may recommend seeing a cardiologist or another specialist for further assessment.

Diagnostic tests that your doctor might prescribe include:

  • Angiogram: A minimally invasive imaging test that visualizes blood vessels using a contrast dye.
  • Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): Compares blood pressure between the arms and legs to detect insufficient blood flow.
  • Blood Test: Evaluates for diabetes, high cholesterol, and other conditions that may affect circulation.
  • Stress Test: Monitors the heart, lungs, and blood pressure during physical activity.
  • Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to create images of the heart and blood vessels, helping to identify blockages.

In case of severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, immediate medical assistance is essential.

How to Improve Blood Circulation

There are several approaches to improving blood circulation. Often, simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference. If these are not enough, your doctor might suggest medication or, in some cases, surgery.

Lifestyle Changes

Diet and physical activity are fundamental to maintaining the health of the circulatory system. Your doctor may recommend:

  • Avoiding long periods of inactivity: Standing up and moving around every hour can prevent clot formation.
  • Adopting a healthy diet: A diet rich in vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is ideal. Avoid fatty, fried foods, and sugary drinks.
  • Elevating your feet: Raising your feet above heart level several times a day helps circulation in the legs.
  • Exercising regularly: At least 30 minutes a day, five days a week, is enough to improve circulation.
  • Managing stress: Reducing stress helps improve blood pressure and circulation.
  • Losing weight: Reducing weight relieves pressure on veins and arteries.
  • Quitting smoking: This significantly improves blood vessel health.
  • Wearing compression stockings: These stockings help improve circulation in the legs.

Medications

If lifestyle changes are not enough, your doctor may prescribe:

  • Blood pressure medications: These relax blood vessels, making circulation easier.
  • Blood thinners: These prevent blood clot formation.
  • Cholesterol medications: These help prevent plaque buildup in arteries.

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to improve circulation:

  • Angioplasty: A small balloon is inserted and inflated within the blood vessel to open it up.
  • Arterial bypass surgery: This reroutes blood flow around a blocked artery.
  • Stent: A small mesh tube that keeps a blood vessel open after angioplasty.
  • Varicose vein removal: This removes damaged veins, improving blood flow in nearby healthy veins.

Learn more about the Heart and Vascular Services at UPMC Salvator Mundi International Hospital.