How do I know if I have poor circulation?

The heart pumps blood throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to tissues and picking up waste products from cellular activity. Waste products are carried through the bloodstream to excretory organs such as the liver and kidneys. Any factor that impedes blood circulation will affect these important functions, according to the health website Medical News Today (UK).

Poor blood circulation can cause calf pain when walking.

Symptoms of poor circulation often appear first in the extremities. This is because the limbs, especially the fingers, are furthest from the heart. Therefore, when blood circulation is impaired, these are the areas most likely to be affected.

The first sign to look for of poor circulation is pain, numbness, tingling or coldness in parts of the body that don't receive enough blood supply, such as the hands or feet.

Other symptoms include dizziness, muscle weakness when walking, pins and needles in the skin, pale or ashen skin, chest pain, swelling, and varicose veins. People who are overweight, obese, diabetic, over 40, and sedentary are at high risk for circulation problems.

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

What can I do to prevent poor blood circulation?

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

For people who sit for long periods of time, they need to regularly stretch their arms and legs to avoid blood stasis, and massage their muscles to help 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