How can I tell if I have poor blood circulation?

The heart pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues while also removing waste products from cellular activity. These waste products travel through the bloodstream to organs responsible for elimination, such as the liver and kidneys. Any factor that obstructs blood flow will affect these vital functions, according to the UK health website Medical News Today .

Poor blood circulation can cause calf pain when walking.

Symptoms of poor blood circulation often appear first in the extremities. This is because the hands and feet, especially the fingers and toes, are the furthest from the heart. Therefore, impaired blood circulation is most likely to affect these areas.

The first sign of poor blood circulation is pain, numbness, tingling, or coldness in the area not receiving enough blood supply, such as the hands or feet.

Other symptoms include dizziness, muscle weakness and pain when walking, a tingling sensation on the skin, pale or bluish skin, chest pain, swelling, and varicose veins. Overweight and obese individuals, those with diabetes, those over 40, and those who are sedentary are at higher risk for circulatory problems.

Other factors that increase the risk of poor blood circulation include genetics, smoking, high blood pressure, atherosclerosis, and varicose veins. Smoking exposes the body to harmful chemicals, leading to blood vessel damage and an increased risk of atherosclerosis. High blood pressure puts constant pressure on the blood vessel walls, weakening them and affecting blood circulation.

What can be done to prevent poor blood circulation?

Avoiding tobacco, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly will effectively help prevent poor blood circulation. Regarding exercise, experts recommend exercising for at least 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, to improve blood circulation and enhance heart and lung health.

For those who sit for long periods, they need to regularly stretch their arms and legs to prevent blood stagnation, and massaging their muscles helps stimulate blood vessels and relax muscles, according to Medical News Today .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/lam-sao-de-biet-minh-dang-bi-luu-thong-mau-kem-1852503052045048.htm