Brief overview
- Treatment: lying down and elevating legs, fluid intake, cold stimuli (put cold washcloth on neck, cold compresses), medications, home remedies, treatment of underlying condition
- Causes: Most often, low blood pressure is the cause of circulatory problems. Only rarely are the symptoms signs of a more serious disease.
- Symptoms: Dizziness, rapid heartbeat, blackness in front of the eyes, ringing in the ears, noise in the head.
- Description: Circulatory problems occur when the brain is not supplied with sufficient oxygen.
- When to see a doctor. Consult a doctor if you frequently suffer from circulatory problems or if the symptoms are very severe!
- Diagnosis: Typical symptoms, physical examination, Schellong test, blood test, ECG.
- Prevention: Drink enough, alternating showers, sauna, exercise
What to do in case of circulatory problems?
How circulatory problems are treated depends on their cause. In most cases, circulatory problems are harmless and improve quickly. It is important to lie down quickly in case of an impending circulatory collapse to avoid falls!
Immediate measures in case of circulatory weakness
Fluid: Drink about half a liter of water within five to ten minutes. This will stabilize blood pressure for about an hour. For a short time, a cup of coffee helps to stimulate circulation.
Calf pump: Move your legs as soon as it is safe to stand again. This activates the calf muscles, which help pump blood back toward the heart.
Home remedy
Cold stimulus: place a cold washcloth on the side of your neck. The cold activates the blood pressure sensors in the carotid artery. In response, the vessels constrict and blood pressure rises.
Stimulating circulation: cold compresses or dipping the forearms in ice-cold water helps to stimulate circulation again.
Salt: table salt in food binds fluid in the body and causes blood pressure to rise.
Home remedies have their limits. If the symptoms persist over a long period of time, do not improve or even get worse, you should always consult a doctor.
Medication
Herbal remedies for strengthening the circulation
Herbal remedies can help to support the circulation. Hawthorn, for example, is said to strengthen the heart and regulate blood pressure. The active ingredients from camphor are said to promote blood circulation and, like menthol, stimulate the circulatory system.
Before resorting to herbal remedies for circulatory problems and dizziness, first have the cause of your symptoms clarified by a doctor!
Treatment of the underlying disease
If the circulatory weakness is caused by a disease (e.g. a weak heart or kidney), this must be treated accordingly. If the cause can be eliminated, the circulatory problems will improve again.
What causes circulatory problems?
Circulatory problems can have different causes. In most cases, the cause is low blood pressure (hypotension). Only in rare cases are circulatory problems a sign of a serious illness.
Weather
In addition, people sweat more in the heat. If the loss of fluid is not compensated, the blood becomes thicker and does not circulate as well. This can lead to the brain receiving too little oxygen. People who naturally have low blood pressure (e.g. children and slim women) are particularly at risk.
Likewise, sharp fluctuations in temperature or air pressure trigger circulation problems in many people.
Lack of fluids
Very often, lack of fluids is the cause of circulatory weakness. This is the case when those affected drink too little throughout the day or lose fluid due to vomiting or diarrhea.
The same applies after large blood losses, such as after injuries or serious operations. If there is too little blood in the body, blood pressure drops drastically, and circulatory problems or circulatory collapse are possible consequences.
Permanently too low blood pressure
Existing underlying disease
In rare cases, circulatory problems are the result of an existing disease. It is possible, for example, that patients with heart failure are more prone to circulatory problems. The weakened heart is no longer able to pump sufficient blood to the body. The organs are less well supplied with blood, and blood pressure drops. Cardiac arrhythmias and a heart attack also sometimes cause circulatory problems.
If you suffer from heart disease and have circulation problems, be sure to get a medical checkup! If you suspect a heart attack, call the emergency doctor immediately!
The kidneys regulate the fluid balance in the body. If the kidneys no longer work properly (as in renal insufficiency), it is possible that blood pressure will drop and circulatory problems will occur.
Acute gastrointestinal disorders with persistent vomiting and severe diarrhea quickly lead to fluid loss. If the affected person does not drink enough, there is also a lack of fluid in the blood. Blood pressure drops and circulatory problems develop.
Circulatory problems such as dizziness or trembling are signs of impending hypoglycemia in diabetics.
Sometimes circulatory problems occur in connection with neurological diseases such as Parkinson’s disease. Psychological causes are also possible in the case of circulatory problems.
Rapid change of position (orthostatic hypotension)
Normally, various mechanisms ensure that all vital organs are adequately supplied with blood at all times in any body position.
In some people, these mechanisms are disturbed. In them, the blood temporarily pools in the legs when they bring the body from a lying position into an upright position (orthostasis), and the blood pressure drops rapidly. The blood must first be pumped back toward the heart. Physicians refer to this phenomenon as “orthostatic hypotension”. Typically, symptoms such as dizziness, pallor, lightheadedness and blurred vision improve immediately when the affected person lies down again.
Medication
Dehydrating drugs (diuretics) have a similar effect: they flush more fluid out of the body, which lowers the fluid content of the blood. The blood becomes thicker, and blood pressure drops.
Circulatory problems sometimes occur as a side effect of chemotherapy.
Talk to your doctor if you suspect that the medicines you are taking are causing the circulation problems!
Hormone imbalances
Sometimes circulation problems occur in association with hormone disorders, for example, hypothyroidism.
Hormone fluctuations
Puberty: During puberty, the body is in a hormonal state of emergency. In addition, there are often strong fluctuations in blood pressure. The reason for this is that the cardiovascular system lags somewhat behind physical growth, especially during strong growth spurts. During this phase, adolescents may repeatedly experience circulatory problems. It is predominantly girls who are affected. The circulatory problems are usually harmless and disappear by themselves over time.
Pregnancy: Expectant mothers often struggle with circulatory problems, especially in early pregnancy (1st trimester). The reason for this is the hormonal change. On the one hand, the blood vessels dilate, and on the other hand, the body produces more female sex hormones (progesterone), which increases blood volume and heart rate. Both make you more susceptible to circulatory problems.
Towards the end of pregnancy (3rd trimester), dizziness returns in many pregnant women. The cause is then no longer the hormones, but the child itself. The bigger it gets, the more pressure the uterus exerts on the blood vessels. This causes the blood flow to the brain to be obstructed. The dizzy spells typically occur while lying down or sleeping in a supine position.
To avoid dizzy spells during pregnancy, it is recommended to sleep in the side position after the sixth month of pregnancy!
Breastfeeding: After the birth, the hormone level changes again. The hormones, but also lack of sleep and stress, promote circulatory problems. Breastfeeding mothers in particular should also make sure they drink enough!
Allergy
Circulatory problems that occur after an insect bite, for example, are an alarm signal. Dizziness and nausea are the first signs of an impending allergic shock.
Circulatory problems after eating
Heavy, fatty food challenges the digestive system. When the intestines have a lot to digest, they get more blood flow. Other organs, such as the brain, are not supplied with enough oxygen during this time.
Circulatory problems in the morning
Morning circulatory problems are common and do not usually have any medical significance. Blood pressure is subject to diurnal fluctuations; doctors refer to this as a circadian rhythm. At night, blood pressure drops by an average of ten percent, i.e. it is significantly lower than during the day. It reaches its normal daytime value around eight or nine o’clock in the morning. If you also sweat heavily during the night, you run the risk of having problems with your circulation when you get up.
Other causes
Muscle tension in the neck triggers circulation problems in some people. In addition to the dizziness attacks, sufferers typically often feel tingling in their arms and legs.
What are the symptoms of circulatory problems?
If the brain is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen, the typical circulatory symptoms occur.
Symptoms of poor circulation
- Dizziness
- Paleness
- Sweating @
- trembling
- Nausea
- Palpitations
- blackness before the eyes
- Ringing in the ears
- Noise in the head
- Fatigue
- Feeling of heaviness in shoulders and legs
- Headache
In case of acute circulatory problems, there is a risk of falling! Lie down quickly and put your feet up! This will get your circulation going again. If the symptoms persist or worsen, call a doctor!
Circulatory collapse
If the circulation collapses, the affected person faints. Doctors also speak of vasovagal syncope. This is a reflex that temporarily causes a sharp drop in blood pressure and slows the heartbeat. As a rule, such a collapse is harmless and lasts only a short time.
Triggers are often prolonged standing, strong pressing during bowel movements and severe pain. Stress and excitement also cause some people to faint. In other people, the mere sight of blood triggers the reflex.
What are circulatory problems?
Circulatory problems occur when the blood circulation is disturbed (circulatory disorder). As a result, the brain is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen. Typical symptoms are dizziness, rapid heartbeat and blackness before the eyes. In most cases, the cause is low blood pressure; only rarely is there a serious illness behind it.
How does the circulatory system work?
The circulatory system (circulation) continuously ensures that the entire organism is supplied with sufficient blood at all times. Arteries carry the oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all organs and tissues. The veins return the deoxygenated blood to the heart so that it can then be oxygenated in the lungs.
When to see a doctor?
Circulatory problems that occur only occasionally are usually harmless. In the case of constantly recurring or severe complaints (circulatory collapse), it is advisable to see a doctor soon.
The same applies to people suffering from cardiovascular diseases or other underlying diseases: If circulatory problems occur frequently, it may be necessary to adjust the medication dose. One example is antihypertensive drugs (such as beta blockers): Dosed too high, blood pressure drops so much that circulatory problems develop.
If other serious symptoms occur, the emergency physician must be called immediately. This applies, for example, to paralysis, shortness of breath or severe chest pain.
What does the doctor do?
The first point of contact for circulatory problems is the family doctor, or alternatively the gynecologist in the case of pregnant women.
Medical history (anamnesis)
Physical examination
This is followed by a physical examination. The focus is on the cardiovascular system, the most common cause of circulatory problems. For this purpose, the doctor measures the pulse and blood pressure. Both values are only of limited significance when measured once in the doctor’s office.
The reason for this is that patients are usually somewhat agitated during the examination, which automatically causes pulse and blood pressure to rise. In addition, pulse and blood pressure are subject to diurnal fluctuations.
To determine the patient’s average blood pressure, the physician performs a 24-hour blood pressure measurement (long-term blood pressure measurement). For this purpose, the patient is given a special measuring device consisting of a cuff on the upper arm and a small recording device on the belt. The device measures the blood pressure every 15 to 30 minutes and records the value. Alternatively, the patient measures and records their own blood pressure several times a day with a portable meter, but this is far less informative.
Schellong test
Further examinations
If an organic disease is suspected, further examinations follow. These include, for example, a blood test or an electrocardiogram (ECG). Under certain circumstances, the doctor may refer the patient to an internist or cardiologist for further clarification.
Prevention
The main cause of circulatory problems is usually low blood pressure. These tips help to get the circulation going again and prevent circulatory problems.
Tips to permanently stimulate the circulation and prevent circulatory problems
Alternating showers: Alternating hot and cold showers can quickly stimulate circulation, which stabilizes after just a few days. First run warm water over the skin to dilate the blood vessels. Then take a cold shower, which causes the blood vessels to contract again. Regular repetitions are important, preferably daily.
Sauna: The same principle is used for saunas, followed by cooling down in a cold-water pool. For a good effect, doctors recommend one to two sauna sessions per week.
Brush massages: Regular brush massages get the circulation going. To do this, stroke the skin with a soft brush for a few minutes. Start at the feet and always brush in the direction of the heart. Brushing releases substances that stimulate the cardiovascular system. In addition, massage improves blood flow to the skin and blood return to the heart.
Exercise: Regular exercise is important in principle for mental and physical health. For circulatory problems, endurance sports are particularly suitable. Examples include hiking, swimming or cycling. Doctors recommend 30 minutes a day – several times a week.
It is particularly important to train the calf muscles specifically. The muscles act as a “pump” that facilitates the return of blood to the heart. To do this, stand with the balls of your feet on a step or a small stool, keeping your heels in the air. Now lower the heels so that tension is created in the calves. Hold briefly. Do as many repetitions as you can manage.
Some kidney or heart patients need to pay close attention to how much they drink. If you have kidney disease or heart failure, ask your doctor about the optimal amount to drink for you!
Avoid lavish meals: Heavy, high-fat meals challenge the digestive system. If the intestines have a lot to digest, they have to be supplied with more blood, and the brain is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen. Therefore, eat smaller portions several times a day and make sure to eat light food, especially on hot summer days.
Frequently asked questions
You can find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about this topic in our article Frequently asked questions about circulatory problems.
