Circulatory problems or circulatory disorders usually manifest themselves as a drop in blood pressure or a general weakening of the circulatory system. Typical accompanying symptoms are therefore a pale face, fatigue, dizziness, dark circles under the eyes and general weakness. Circulatory problems should always be examined by a physician to rule out disease and stabilize the general condition.
What are circulatory problems?
Acute or chronic circulatory problems or circulatory disorders refer to a functional, age-related or organically caused disorder of the entire circulatory system. Acute or chronic circulatory problems or circulatory disorders are understood to be a function-related, age-related or organically caused disorder of the entire blood circulation. It may also be a disorder in individual vessels or a vascular area. Circulatory problems is a generalized term that remains extremely vague as a cause description. Circulatory problems is merely the name given to the symptom. In most cases, a circulatory problem occurs relatively suddenly and becomes noticeable through dizziness, visual disturbances, flushing, panic, unsteadiness of gait, heart problems, headaches, feelings of weakness, changes in blood pressure and the like. Usually, the acute circulatory problems pass relatively quickly, although they feel threatening. However, a serious illness may be hiding behind acute circulatory problems. In the worst case, a serious circulatory problem means fainting, unconsciousness and circulatory failure, even death.
Causes
Numerous things can be considered as causes of circulatory problems or circulatory disorders. A circulatory problem that lasts for a long time, causes serious symptoms, or occurs often always belongs in the hands of a doctor and must be clarified. The cause of circulatory problems can be low blood pressure, but an infectious disease or a secondary disease after a tick bite can also be possible triggers. Severe blood loss, surviving anesthesia, alcohol, nicotine or drug abuse, severe diarrhea, high blood pressure, poisoning, shock, hypothermia or metabolic disorders can trigger a circulatory disorder. In addition, heart disease, certain medications, bronchial asthma, an embolism, arteriosclerosis, or nerve disease can cause circulatory problems. As a result of severe arteriosclerosis, circulatory disturbance is the most common cause of death in Germany. Circulatory problems also occur frequently in old age because the vessels calcify, old people move less and far too little water is supplied. An age-related circulatory disorder can therefore be well prevented.
Diseases with this symptom
- Infectious diseases
- Bronchial asthma
- Arteriosclerosis
- Alcohol addiction
- Poisoning
- Embolism
- Drug addiction
- Nicotine addiction
- Gastrointestinal flu
Complications
Most often, circulatory problems pass without long-term consequences. The greatest danger comes from a circulatory collapse and the resulting fainting. Thus, a fall can lead to serious injuries such as broken bones and head injuries. Immediately, circulatory problems lead to dizziness, palpitations and comparable disorders of the cardiovascular system. If there is a serious underlying condition such as a heart valve defect or stenoses, a heart attack or stroke may also occur in the course of the disease. In pregnant women, circulatory problems can lead to premature birth in rare cases. However, the risk of serious complications of this kind is low in the case of circulatory collapse. In contrast, major problems can sometimes arise during treatment, since the underlying primary disease is usually not known to the emergency physician on the scene. For example, the circulatory system may be further overloaded if unsuitable medication is administered. In the long term, circulatory problems lead to a reduced sense of well-being and a drop in performance at work. Moreover, constant dizziness and attacks of weakness increase the risk of accidents. This is particularly dangerous in road traffic and during sports, but even apart from this, circulatory problems are a serious warning sign and trigger various complications.
When should you go to the doctor?
Circulatory problems should always be examined by a specialist in order to rule out illnesses and stabilize the general condition. A visit to the doctor is especially recommended if dizziness and nausea occur for no apparent reason or persist longer than usual. A visit to the doctor is recommended in the event of coordination difficulties that could potentially lead to accidents. Acute circulatory problems also indicate an underlying condition requiring treatment and should be clarified in the emergency room. This is especially true if there is accompanying pain in the left arm or a twinge in the chest. Other warning signs include headache, hearing problems, drowsiness and fever, as well as heart palpitations, floppiness and shortness of breath. Circulatory problems during or after an ear infection, flu or infectious disease should always be examined by a doctor. Complaints after a day in the sun indicate heat stroke and require treatment to avoid serious complications. In case of circulatory problems as a result of an accident, the emergency physician should be called immediately. If the circulatory problems persist or are accompanied by cramps or a circulatory collapse, this is an emergency. Then the emergency medical services must be alerted immediately.
Treatment and therapy
In the case of acute circulatory problems, the patient’s legs should be elevated so that the blood flows back to the heart. One can further stimulate circulation by making cold compresses if the circulatory problem is mild. However, if the circulatory problems are more serious, one may need to go to the hospital. One should call the doctor in case of prolonged or acutely severe circulatory disturbance. In case of circulatory arrest, immediate resuscitation measures are required. If the circulatory problems are disease-related, the underlying disease must be diagnosed and treated. In most cases, the circulatory disorder will then also improve. In the case of purely functional or age-related circulatory problems, the circulation can be stimulated by endurance sports, sauna sessions, brush massages in the direction of the heart, regular gymnastics, Kneipp treatments such as cold forearm casts, alternating showers or brisk walks. Reduced salt intake and increased drinking of clear water can also be used to combat circulatory dysfunction.
Outlook and prognosis
Circulatory problems should always be taken very seriously. Without treatment, they can lead to serious complications. Therefore, if severe circulation problems occur, a doctor must be consulted. Without treatment, other side effects such as dizziness, sweating or headaches will occur in addition to this symptom. These may also be accompanied by fatigue and listlessness. If the circulatory problems make ordinary daily life impossible, treatment must be provided by the doctor. The problem can have different causes, which can be treated differently. Often just a change of diet or withdrawal from certain drugs can make the circulatory problems disappear. In acute emergencies, the emergency doctor must be called, because the circulation problems can also lead to fainting. Treatment with medications takes place only in the short term to increase blood pressure. However, these drugs should not be taken permanently. If the circulation problems occur in young people, treatment by the doctor is not absolutely necessary. In this case, it is often sufficient to drink more fluids and do more sports. In older patients, circulation problems may indicate other symptoms and need to be examined more closely by a doctor.
Prevention
The only thing that can be recommended as prevention of circulatory problems is a healthy, active life. Healthy organs and vessels can be maintained with an appropriate amount of exercise, a sensible intake of fluids and a diet rich in vital substances. To avoid circulatory disorders, it is also recommended not to smoke. Nicotine constricts the blood vessels. In the case of overweight, a reduction in weight and an improved diet can already improve the risk of later disease-related circulatory problems. Obesity is one of the risk factors of cardiovascular disease. Plenty of exercise, antioxidants, healthy fats, a significant reduction in sugar and vitamins of the B group can be used preventively against a circulatory disorder and later cardiovascular disease.
You can do it yourself
As a rule, circulatory problems can be prevented by a few simple methods. These include a generally healthy and active lifestyle. The patient should eat plenty of fruits and vegetables and ideally avoid fatty and unhealthy foods. Likewise, the consumption of alcohol and other drugs and smoking should be discontinued. If the circulatory problems occur primarily during sports, the affected person should check whether the body is not being subjected to too much strain. Here it often helps to reduce the sporting load and to train the body properly first. Because basically it can be said that sports and activity strengthen the circulation and thus circulatory problems are minimized. Not infrequently, the circulatory problems also occur due to changeable weather. The symptom is accompanied by headache, pressure on ears or nose and nausea. In this case, walks and relaxation exercises help. Circulatory problems may occur more frequently during pregnancy and are a common symptom. They are also not usually treated. Therefore, pregnant women should perform physical activities slowly and take their time. Those who suffer from circulatory problems should avoid standing up too quickly and frantic movements in general. Medications that increase blood pressure can also be used to combat circulatory problems. However, pregnant women should first consult a doctor before taking any medication.
