Circulatory problems in the legs

If the disease is not yet too advanced, walking training is the best type of therapy for peripheral arterial occlusive disease. Through the controlled walking training, bypass blood vessels (collaterals) can be formed due to the increased oxygen demand and the blood circulation and thus the pain-free stretching improves.For this effect, it is important to train daily if possible, otherwise the incentive to form bypass circuits is too weak. Medication is used for circulatory disorders of the legs, especially drugs that improve the flow properties of the blood.

These blood circulation-promoting preparations include Pentoxifylline, for example, promotes blood circulation and improves blood flow by lowering the toughness (viscosity) of the blood by deforming the red blood cells and reducing the level of fibrinogen in the plasma, which is necessary for blood clotting. Thus, pentoxifylline increases the pain-free walking distance in cases of existing peripheral arterial occlusive disease (pAOD). However, the benefit of these drugs is controversial. Buflomedil also improves the ability to walk in PAD by acting antagonistically on receptors responsible for the contraction of muscle cells in blood vessels.

Buflomedil,
Naftidrofuryl,
Pentoxifylline,
Flunarizine and
Cinnarizine.

Circulatory disorder in the brain

Above all, sodium pangamate reduces the circulatory disorders in the brain. In case of chronic cerebral circulatory disorders, ergot alkaloids (substance of ergot fungus), namely the agent dihydroergotoxin, can be used. However, this is controversial in its application, as there are no clinical studies to date that actually prove the effect.

To improve the blood circulation in the brain, over-the-counter drugs are also often used (especially prophylactically). They are often used to increase cognitive abilities in the brain, also to prevent a decrease in cognitive performance. These include above all ginkgo, garlic and ginseng.

Ginkgo improves the blood circulation in narrowed vessels. The effect of the so-called ginkgo bilobas sets in after about six to eight weeks of treatment. Ginseng lowers blood pressure, lowers the concentration of blood lipids and prevents excessive platelet aggregation. In addition, it relaxes the peripheral blood vessels and increases the strength of the heart so that the body is better supplied with oxygen. Garlic prevents the formation of vascular deposits (plaques) and improves blood flow.