The Subtle Signs of Poor Circulation

Circulation is an absolutely essential component of human health, but it’s something that many people don’t spend a lot of time thinking about. This is understandable; after all, your heart has been pumping blood throughout your body since before you were born. Poor circulation often develops slowly, and it isn’t always easy to identify the signs of circulatory issues. 

That’s why the team at Heart and Vascular Care in Plano, Texas, is here to offer some guidance on how to identify some of the subtle signs that your circulation is not as vigorous as it once was. It is our hope that you’ll notice these changes in the early stages and come in to discuss ways to boost your circulation and prevent undesirable outcomes. 

Why is circulation so important?

Each and every cell in your body relies on a steady stream of oxygenated blood for nourishment. Your circulatory system works to keep that blood moving and to transport deoxygenated blood back from your extremities to your heart and lungs, where the process can begin anew. 

Simply put: there is no life without circulation. If your circulatory system begins to falter, your body will react in some very specific ways. Understanding these subtle signs of poor circulation can empower you to take action before it’s too late. 

The visible signs of poor circulation

In the midst of a busy life, there isn’t always time to pay close attention to all aspects of your health. At the very least, take a few seconds each day to inspect your body and note any changes. 

For example, reduced circulation can cause an abnormally pale skin tone or even a blue tinge to your skin. You may also notice bulging, twisted veins that are visible through the skin’s surface. These are varicose veins, a condition that develops when the small valves within your veins malfunction, allowing blood to pool in that portion of the vein. 

Swelling is also something that can be detected visibly. Extreme swelling is usually accompanied by pain, but the earlier signs of swelling could be as minor as deep skin indentations when you remove your socks or shoes. 

Don’t ignore leg pain

Everyone experiences occasional leg pain, especially after a long day of walking or an intense workout. But if you notice lingering leg pains that don’t have a clear cause, you should pay close attention. Muscle pain or weakness is not normal in the absence of an increase in physical activity. 

It’s also important to note that an absence of sensation should also be a cause for concern. If your feet or legs feel numb frequently, poor circulation might be to blame. The same goes for frequent cold feet, which is a primary sign that your circulatory system isn’t moving enough blood into and out of your feet, which are the part of your body located farthest from your heart. 

For men, poor circulation can interfere with a healthy sex life

Strong circulation is an important part of sexual stimulation for both women and men. But for men, healthy circulation is an absolute necessity, as it enables erections. One of the earliest signs of circulatory issues in men is erectile dysfunction, which occurs when you aren’t able to reach or maintain an erection for the purposes of penetrative sex. 

Far too many men feel self-conscious about discussing sexual health with their medical providers. But if you’re encountering difficulty in the bedroom, it could be a sign of a serious health issue, including poor circulation. Let your practitioner know. Treatment can help prevent serious health problems and can also restore your sex life. 

Don’t wait to seek help for poor circulation

If you experience any of the changes mentioned here, don’t postpone reaching out for help. There are several ways to improve circulation, many of which don’t require invasive procedures or medication. 

At Heart and Vascular Care, we’re here to provide science-backed information about all aspects of your heart health, including poor circulation. You can schedule a one-on-one assessment to learn more about how well your circulatory system is functioning and learn ways to improve poor circulation. Book a visit online or by phone today to get started.