Living with circulation

Overview

Poor circulation happens when blood doesn't flow easily through your blood vessels. This can make parts of your body, especially your legs and feet, feel cold, numb, or painful. It is not a disease itself, but a sign that something may be affecting your heart or blood vessels.

Yes. Many people experience signs of poor circulation as they get older. It is especially common in people with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol.

It tends to affect adults over 50, but younger people can also have circulation problems, especially if they smoke, are inactive, or have certain health conditions like diabetes.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Cold hands and feet
• Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
• Swelling in your legs or feet
• Cramping in your legs when walking that goes away with rest
• Slow-healing sores on your feet or legs
• Skin color changes, such as pale or bluish skin

Symptoms in children

• Poor circulation in children is uncommon. Cold hands and feet are often normal, but any bluish lips, fainting, or severe pain should be checked quickly.
• If a child has one leg that is pale, cold, or painful, seek emergency care right away.

Symptoms in older adults

• Leg cramps when walking
• Cold feet even in warm rooms
• Less hair growth on the legs
• Slower healing of small cuts or sores

Causes

Main causes

• Atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of fatty deposits inside the arteries
• Blood clots
• Diabetes that damages blood vessels
• Inflammation in blood vessels, called vasculitis
• Varicose veins that affect blood flow

Risk factors

• Smoking
• Being physically inactive
• Being over 50
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Being overweight
• A family history of heart or circulation problems

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Call your local emergency number if you have sudden chest pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of stroke.
• If your leg is suddenly pale, cold, and painful, seek emergency care.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Cold or numb hands and feet that last for weeks
• Changes in skin color in your hands or feet
• Cramping in your legs that is getting more frequent
• You have diabetes and are worried about your circulation

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle. They may feel the pulses in your feet and ankles, and listen to the blood flow in your arteries.

Tests that may be done

• Ankle-brachial index, a simple test comparing blood pressure in your arm and ankle
• Ultrasound scan of your legs or neck to see blood flow
• Blood tests to check for diabetes, cholesterol, or inflammation
• Angiography, a special scan that looks at blood flow through your arteries

What to expect at your appointment

These tests are usually painless and can be done in a few hours at the hospital or clinic. The doctor will explain the results and talk about next steps to keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.

Treatment

Treatment focuses on improving blood flow, easing symptoms, and lowering your risk of serious problems like heart attack or stroke. It almost always includes lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication or procedures.

Self-care at home

• Stop smoking, as it is the single most helpful change for circulation
• Move more every day: walk gently, stretch, and avoid sitting for long periods
• Keep your feet clean, dry, and well-moisturised to prevent sores
• Keep your skin warm in cold weather with socks or gloves
• Manage your weight and blood sugar if you have diabetes

Medical treatments

A doctor may prescribe medicines to help lower blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar. They may also recommend blood-thinning medicines to prevent clots. Some people need a procedure to open a narrowed artery. Do not start or stop any medicine without talking to your healthcare provider.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is only considered when symptoms are severe or other treatments have not helped. Options may include angioplasty, which opens the artery with a small balloon, or bypass surgery to route blood around a blocked section. Your healthcare team will explain the benefits and risks.

Living with this condition

You can live well with circulation problems by paying attention to your body and making small daily choices. Check your feet every day, get up regularly if you sit a lot, and avoid extreme cold. Work with your healthcare team to find a plan that fits you.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep moving: even 10 minutes every hour helps blood flow
• Elevate your legs when resting if they seem swollen
• Wear comfortable shoes and socks that are not too tight
• Follow a heart-healthy eating pattern
• Limit alcohol and avoid smoking

Diet and exercise

Choose meals with plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, and fish. Try to do moderate exercise like brisk walking or cycling for about 30 minutes on most days. If walking hurts, start slowly and rest when needed, but try not to stop altogether.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a long-term health condition can sometimes feel frustrating or worrying. It's normal to feel down, especially if pain limits your activities. Talk to your doctor or a counsellor if these feelings are affecting your daily life. Reach out to friends, family, or a support group.

Prevention

You can reduce your risk of circulation problems by not smoking, staying active, eating well, and keeping your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar in a healthy range. You cannot always prevent them, but you can slow them down and lower your risk of complications.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine that prevents circulation problems, but you should keep up with recommended vaccines, such as flu and COVID-19, if your healthcare provider suggests them.

Screening programmes

Your doctor can check your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar during a routine visit. If you have diabetes or a family history of heart disease, regular checks help catch problems early.

Complications

If left untreated

• Leg pain and cramping that limits walking
• Non-healing sores or ulcers, especially on the feet
• Infection in the legs or feet that may lead to amputation
• Higher risk of heart attack or stroke

Long-term outlook

With the right care, many people with circulation problems stay active and independent for years. The earlier you get help, the better your chances of protecting your heart and legs. Your healthcare team can work with you every step of the way.

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