Poor Circulation Symptoms and Their Impact on Health

Poor circulation is a common health concern that can affect various parts of the body. In Western medicine, blood vessels are categorized into arteries and veins. Whether it's an arterial or venous thrombosis, both can lead to impaired circulation. Arterial insufficiency is often caused by the formation of atherosclerotic plaques inside the blood vessels. As these plaques grow larger, they narrow the arteries and slow down blood flow, resulting in reduced oxygen and nutrient supply to surrounding organs.

Common Symptoms of Arterial Circulation Problems

One of the most well-known manifestations of poor arterial circulation is angina or even myocardial infarction (heart attack) when the heart's blood supply is compromised. In the brain, reduced blood flow can lead to cerebral ischemia and potentially result in stroke or cerebral infarction. If a limb artery becomes blocked due to a clot, it can lead to tissue death and gangrene, particularly in the extremities like the feet and toes.

How Blood Composition Affects Circulation

Another factor that can impair circulation is having an abnormally high concentration of formed elements in the blood. This includes elevated levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, or platelets, as well as high cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These conditions can thicken the blood and slow its flow, reducing the efficiency of oxygen delivery to vital organs.

General Symptoms of Poor Oxygen Delivery

When organs are deprived of adequate oxygen and nutrients, a range of symptoms may occur. These include dizziness, fatigue, mental fogginess, and difficulty concentrating. The cardiovascular system may also be affected, causing symptoms like chest tightness, shortness of breath, and palpitations—often signs of inadequate blood flow to the heart muscle itself.

Signs of Venous Circulation Issues

On the other hand, when venous return is impaired, blood and fluid can accumulate in certain areas of the body, leading to swelling. A classic example is peripheral edema, especially in the legs and ankles. This occurs when the veins struggle to return blood to the heart efficiently, causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues.