You can reduce your risk of poor circulation in these ways: Exercise. Stay at a healthy weight. Don't smoke.
But circulation can get worse for a number of reasons, including conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), or weight gain and age.
The main cause is atherosclerosis, which is the build-up of fatty deposits that narrow a blood vessel, usually an artery. The narrowed blood vessel reduces the circulation of blood to the associated body part.
Potassium (Vitamin K)
Potassium is an essential mineral for many important bodily functions, including blood circulation. It keeps the blood vessel walls strong and can even help prevent bulging veins. Potassium can be found in a variety of healthy and tasty foods like bananas and avocados.
Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow in patients with circulation problems to reduce aching, cramping, and tiredness in the hands and feet. It works by decreasing the thickness (viscosity) of blood. This change allows your blood to flow more easily, especially in the small blood vessels of the hands and feet.
Blood clots don't always become mobile, but it is important that you keep your circulation optimal so blood clots do not form. If you have pain, swelling, tenderness, a warm sensation, and a reddish discoloration in your legs or arms, you should seek medical attention.
Poor circulation leading to a lack of oxygen reaching your vital organs, including the brain and the heart, can have serious consequences. The danger to your mental, as well as your physical, health cannot be overemphasized.
Blood clots can be life-threatening if they block an artery or vein that carries blood to the lungs, heart, brain, or other vital organs. They can cause serious health problems such as heart attack, stroke, and pulmonary embolism. Blood Clots that develop in the arms and legs particularly affect blood circulation.
If you feel more tired than usual more often than usual, you could be suffering from fatigue. One explanation might be that due to poor circulation, blood flow is slower, which can drain your energy levels and make you feel tired quicker.
Sleeping on your left side to make it easier for blood to flow in and around your heart. Keeping your arms at your sides instead of under or behind your head. Making sure your pillow supports your neck and spine and keeps them neutrally aligned.
Magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker and has been suggested to modulate vasomotor tone and peripheral blood flow. Preclinical studies demonstrated a protective role of magnesium on vascular calcification,8, 9 which may in turn lead to reduced arterial stiffening.
Start doing daily stretching, exercises, or yoga to increase blood flow. Do aerobic or cardio exercises to get your blood moving and your heart rate up. Wear compression stockings to encourage the blood to move from your legs back up to your heart. Eat a healthy diet to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
When your body does not have enough vitamin D, your blood vessels will likely suffer. Vitamin D helps to keep your arteries and blood vessels loose enough and relaxed enough to support proper blood flow.
The test: Gather a few pillows or cushions and use them to prop up both legs so they're at a 45-degree angle while you lie on your back. As you're resting, notice if your legs become paler or retain their original color throughout the span of a minute.
Anxiety can cause changes to the heart rate and blood circulation. A faster heart rate makes it easier to flee or fight, while increased blood flow brings fresh oxygen and nutrients to the muscles. When blood vessels narrow, this is called vasoconstriction, and it can affect body temperature.
Research has indicated high stress levels may lead to elevated blood pressure, which can cause poor circulation as well.