Circulatory problems in the legs due to smoking

Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for diseases of the cardiovascular system and also plays a major role in the development of circulatory disorders in the legs. The ingredients of tobacco have been proven to lead to calcification of the arteries and thus to heart attacks, strokes and circulatory disorders in the legs. Smoking also promotes diabetes mellitus. In the therapy of the risk factors for vascular diseases, giving up smoking is the first and probably the most important step.

Circulatory problems due to diabetes

The decision to fly must be made dependent on the stage of the disease in case of a circulatory disorder of the legs. In principle, there is a lower oxygen content in an airplane, which is why oxygen-related damage to the feet and legs can occur at a higher rate. If the circulatory disorder has progressed so far that tingling, pain and numbness in the toes already occur without external influences, the situation can worsen considerably during the flight, so that parts of the toes sometimes die off.

If the pain does not appear until after a few hundred meters of walking, a flight can probably be made after consultation with the doctor. Furthermore, it must be discussed with the doctor whether thrombosis prophylaxis is necessary. Since sitting in a confined space for a long time also significantly increases the risk of blood clots forming, any precautions must be taken in case of circulatory disorders.

Circulatory disorders in the legs during pregnancy

Circulatory disorders during pregnancy are in most cases due to the position of the child and are often harmless. Due to the growing child in the abdomen, pressure increases in the pelvis can lead to pinching of arteries and nerves. This often manifests itself in very unpleasant pain, tingling and numbness in the leg. These symptoms subside with birth at the latest. If there are also complaints, further possible causes must be investigated with the doctor.