Circulation Problems

The environment seems to spin, cold sweat breaks out on the skin, and asterisks dance before the eyes: circulatory problems are a common symptom, often occurring together with complaints such as dizziness or nausea. In most cases, the complaints are caused by low blood pressure (hypotension). However, there are other causes that can be behind circulatory problems. We provide comprehensive information on the subject and give tips on what you can do against circulatory problems.

Possible causes of circulatory problems

Circulatory problems are often caused by low blood pressure. Low blood pressure is said to occur when the blood pressure falls below a value of 105 to 60 mmHG. Low blood pressure can prevent the brain from receiving enough blood and therefore enough oxygen. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, sweating or blackness before the eyes.

However, in addition to low blood pressure, circulatory problems can have a number of other causes. These include:

  • Infectious diseases
  • Inflammations in the body
  • Mental disorders
  • Metabolic disorders (for example, due to diarrhea).
  • Disturbances of blood flow or blood pressure
  • Bronchial asthma
  • Hypothyroidism

In addition, circulation problems can also be caused by high blood loss, severe hypothermia, poisoning, as well as drug abuse.

Low blood pressure as a cause

Depending on whether it is known what the cause behind low blood pressure is, a distinction is made between primary and secondary hypotension.

In primary hypotension, the causes of the usually permanently low blood pressure are not known. Young, slim women are particularly likely to suffer from this type of primary hypotension – among other things, they develop circulatory problems when exposed to high temperatures, large temperature fluctuations or when confined to bed for long periods of time.

In the case of secondary hypotension, on the other hand, it is known what triggers it. The main causes are diseases of the heart, blood vessels or nervous system, as well as hormonal disorders. Such diseases can cause the return flow of blood to the heart to be disturbed or cardiac output to be reduced. In addition, certain medications can also lead to a drop in blood pressure and associated circulatory problems.

Circulatory problems as a symptom of low blood pressure

Low blood pressure can either occur acutely or be chronic. Symptoms associated with chronic low blood pressure include listlessness, rapid fatigability, dizziness, and loss of appetite. Furthermore, sensitivity to the weather, inner restlessness, an increased need for sleep, increased irritability and depressive moods may become noticeable.

Acute hypotension is triggered by a sudden, sharp drop in blood pressure. Typical symptoms of acute hypotension include sweating, dizziness, fluttering eyes and fainting. Such an acute drop in blood pressure can be caused by orthostatic hypotension, for example.

Orthostatic hypotension

In orthostatic hypotension – also known as orthostatic dysregulation – the ability of blood pressure to adapt to the upright body position is disturbed. This can cause circulatory problems when rising quickly from a sitting or lying position. One cause of the symptoms is a disturbance of the venous valves in the legs, which in healthy people support the return flow of blood to the heart.

However, orthostatic hypotension can lead to circulatory problems not only when standing up, but also in other situations. This is the case, for example, when standing in large crowds or in the blazing sun. Then it can lead to symptoms such as.

  • Nausea
  • Paleness
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Dizziness
  • Sweating
  • Gait unsteadiness
  • Blurred vision
  • In the worst case, circulatory collapse (fainting) is the result of the drop in blood pressure.

    With frequent circulatory problems to the doctor

    Occasional circulatory problems caused by low blood pressure are usually harmless. However, if circulatory problems occur more frequently or are particularly severe, you should definitely see a doctor – there may be a condition behind the symptoms that requires treatment.