With circulatory disorders, many people suffer from cold hands and feet. The fact that behind it, however, serious diseases can hide, is often not aware of those affected. A visit to the doctor to clarify the cause is therefore useful and advisable. Cold limbs are often a sign of arterial circulatory disorders, and these must be treated by a specialist in any case. Healthy blood circulation of the organism is important to ensure sufficient oxygen supply to the organs. If the tissue is no longer sufficiently supplied with blood and if this condition remains untreated, it can have serious consequences for the person.
What are circulatory disorders?
Schematic cross-section of an artery. Clearly visible, the circulatory disturbances due to plaque (deposits) (yellow) and red blood cells. Click to enlarge. Medically, circulatory disorders mean a reduced supply of nutrient- and oxygen-rich blood to various parts of the body and organs. This is usually the result of narrowing or blockage of the arteries. The risk of developing circulatory disorders increases with age. However, recent studies have shown that younger patients are also increasingly affected by this disease. A characteristic feature of all types of circulatory disorders is the fact that in the early stages the affected person feels no or hardly any discomfort. Only when the blood flow is already more severely impaired does the disease become noticeable. Since circulatory disorders can cause life-threatening situations such as a stroke or heart attack, preventive measures are of great importance.
Causes
The causes of circulatory disorders are varied and can be of different origins. However, the most common are arteriosclerosis (narrowing or blockage of arteries due to deposits), blood clots in the body (thrombi or emboli), or vascular inflammation. However, high cholesterol levels, obesity, diabetes mellitus, low blood pressure, smoking or lack of exercise also increase the risk of developing circulatory disorders. Since hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) is the most common cause of circulatory disorders, it should be briefly described in more detail. Thus, arteriosclerosis, due to age and an unhealthy lifestyle and diet, results in deposits and wear and tear of the blood vessels. As a result, the arteries narrow to such an extent that hardly any blood can flow through them. One can speak of a regular blockage of the blood vessels or of blood congestion. Thus, in this regard explains the circulatory disorder, which is then responsible for the following typical complaints and symptoms.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Circulatory disorders can be manifested by very different symptoms. Which signs and symptoms occur depends on the location and extent of the circulatory disturbances. In acute vascular occlusion in the arm or leg arteries, intense pain occurs in the affected limb within a short time. Six symptoms usually occur: Loss of pulse, pain, pallor and cold, sensory disturbances,muscle weakness and shock. Depending on the severity of the circulatory disturbance, these symptoms can last from a few seconds to minutes and sometimes cause serious complications. In peripheral arterial disease, symptoms tend to develop gradually. They occur in four stages. In the first stage, there is initially no discomfort, but the affected person often feels a slight tingling or stinging sensation in the limbs. In the second stage, there is increasing pain, which is particularly noticeable during walking and other physical exertion. In the third stage, the symptoms also occur at rest. In the fourth stage, a circulatory disorder manifests itself as persistent pain, and tissue damage such as smoker’s leg also occurs. Chronic circulatory disorders almost always affect both legs, but can vary in severity. The affected limb often appears less sensitive to touch.
Course
Depending on which arteries are affected, circulatory disorders may occur in different parts of the body or organs. Most commonly, the disease appears in the brain, heart, or extremities (especially the legs, but sometimes the arms).In the case of circulatory disorders of the heart, the patient experiences pain and a feeling of tightness in the chest area, often combined with the feeling of not being able to breathe properly (angina pectoris). In milder cases, these symptoms only occur during physical exertion. If the brain, or at least parts of it, is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen, numbness in the arms and legs may occur, among other symptoms. Difficulty in speaking (symptomatic: sudden drooping of one corner of the mouth), visual disturbances, ringing in the ears or dizziness can also be signs of a circulatory disturbance in the brain, often coupled with disorientation and confusion of the affected person. Cold sensations in the feet, pain and tingling to numbness in the legs can indicate circulatory disorders in the legs. However, sleep disturbances due to pain and cramps or even skin discoloration (as a result of tissue death) are also serious indications.
Complications
Impaired blood flow can cause various complications. In acute circulatory disorders, sensory disturbances in the limbs occur within a few minutes. In most cases, paralysis occurs and marked muscle weakness develops. If the blood flow does not return to normal, the patient may eventually even suffer circulatory shock and death. Circulatory disorders in the context of chronic arterial occlusive disease cause severe complications as the patient progresses through the stages of the disease. As early as the second stage, patients experience exertional pain during physical exertion. In the third stage, pain also occurs at rest and is accompanied by feelings of pressure in the legs. In the fourth stage, tissue damage can occur and eventually lead to the formation of a smoker’s leg. Impaired blood flow in the fingers can lead to limb death and, in the long term, cause various diseases such as progressive systemic scleroderma. Circulatory disturbances in the intestine can lead to deterioration of the general condition, shock, and eventually to life-threatening arterial occlusion. As a result, intestinal paralysis and death of intestinal tissue may occur. If untreated, circulatory disturbances of the heart muscle threaten myocardial infarction.
When should you see a doctor?
Even the first signs of a circulatory disorder should be clarified by a doctor. If there is sudden numbness in the legs or pain when walking, this indicates a serious cause that must be investigated and, if necessary, treated directly. Other warning signs include difficulty speaking, vision problems, memory problems (e.g., forgetfulness), and tightness in the chest. Anyone who notices one or more of these symptoms should see a doctor immediately. Patients with high blood pressure, overweight or elevated blood lipid levels should consult their doctor regularly. At the first sign of a circulatory disorder, a doctor must be consulted and appropriate therapy initiated to minimize the risk factors. The same applies to people who suffer from diabetes mellitus, have a generally unhealthy diet or are smokers. These risk groups should pay particular attention to possible warning signs of their body and prevent further complaints by prompt treatment. Cardiovascular symptoms such as dizzy spells, fluttering eyes or sweating are a medical emergency. The affected person himself or first responders should immediately alert an ambulance service or go to the nearest hospital. In the event of circulatory collapse or stroke, first aid must be administered.
Treatment and therapy
As a general rule, circulatory disorders and cardiovascular disease can be prevented by a healthy lifestyle. This includes a wholesome, alkaline diet, abstaining from nicotine, alcohol and caffeine (or at least consuming these stimulants in moderation), getting enough exercise in the fresh air and controlling weight. But a balanced lifestyle can also be considered an important preventive factor. However, once the disease has set in, self-help is no longer possible, or only to a limited extent under medical supervision. The consultation of a physician is therefore unavoidable.In the treatment of circulatory disorders, a distinction is made between acute complaints, which are considered medical emergencies (stroke, heart attack, acute occlusion of the leg artery, etc.), and longer existing complaints, which are treated by a change in lifestyle habits, medication and further medical treatment. In addition to preventive measures to maintain and promote health, it is advisable to have regular check-ups with your doctor. In this way, circulatory disorders in particular can be detected at an early stage and serious secondary diseases can thus be prevented.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of circulatory disorders is individual and results from various factors. It depends on the localization of the disorders as well as its extent. In addition, the underlying disease is largely responsible for the further course and prospects of cure. Blood congestion often occurs when the body is malpositioned. This form of circulatory disturbance normally disappears completely within a few minutes. By changing the posture of the body as well as balancing movements, the blood circulation is stimulated again until the interruption has been removed. The organism regenerates itself in these cases. Damage to the vessel walls may not be healed. In the case of arteriosclerosis, the prognosis is unfavorable because there is no regression. If the circulatory disorders cannot be stopped, secondary diseases occur. In the most severe cases, the patient suddenly suffers an acute health condition. A heart attack or a stroke are triggered by the circulatory disturbances. An ambulance service is required, as a fatal outcome can occur or lifelong impairments occur. The disorders place an immense strain on the cardiovascular system. The heart muscle is severely stressed and can become diseased. In some cases of circulatory disturbance in the extremities, treatment consists of amputation of the affected area.
Aftercare
There should be regular follow-up visits by the treating physician. This includes regular ultrasound examinations of the vessels. This allows further progression of circulatory disorders to be monitored or detected at an early stage. Treatment could then be initiated promptly if necessary and, if necessary, prevent a worse progression. If an impairment due to the circulatory disorder persists, the rehabilitation measures that have been started should also be continued at home. In coping with everyday life, the relatives must also learn to cope with the new situation together with the affected person. More exercise is one way to promote recovery. This promotes blood circulation in a natural way. No strenuous strength exercises in the fitness center are necessary. Even simple exercises such as walking, cycling, hiking and swimming improve blood circulation. These activities should be coordinated in advance with the attending physician. Whether home remedies are useful for the follow-up treatment of circulatory disorders must be discussed with the doctor, also with regard to possible interactions with medications already taken. Garlic, for example, promotes blood circulation enormously. The healthy vessels remain elastic. Hawthorn has also been proven to help strengthen and cleanse the veins, as well as improve circulation. Massages with blood circulation-enhancing oils or tinctures can also help somewhat to relieve the vessels.
What you can do yourself
With an existing circulatory disorder, those affected can take some measures themselves to alleviate the discomfort. Already after getting up gymnastic exercises such as the foot seesaw help to boost the vein pump. Alternating warm showers, beginning and ending with a cold shower, also stimulate blood circulation. A reduced form of this would be cold showers over the lower legs or forearms as they are also used in Kneipp’s treatment. This can be supplemented by a subsequent brush massage. This also promotes the detoxification process. Drinking a glass of warm water – supplemented as desired with ginger slices – after getting up has also proven beneficial. This practice originates from the Indian healing art of Ayurveda and stimulates the flow of bodily fluids, including the bloodstream.To reduce circulatory problems or prevent them from getting worse, exercise should be done regularly. Stronger muscles help the veins to transport the blood against the force of gravity. Endurance sports also strengthen the cardiovascular system. Furthermore, all measures that contribute to a healthier life help: little alcohol and fatty foods, on the other hand, varied and vital substance-rich food with a high proportion of vegetables. Also horseradish works blood circulation-promoting. The connection between blood circulation disturbances and the mental condition was likewise confirmed. Therefore relaxation methods represent also a possibility of the self treatment. Nevertheless, the family doctor should be consulted for permanent complaints.