circulation risks and benefits for patients

Overview

Your circulation is the system that moves blood around your body. It includes your heart and blood vessels (tubes that carry blood). Good circulation means your blood can easily carry oxygen and nutrients to all your organs and tissues. Risks to circulation happen when blood flow is blocked or slowed, which can lead to serious health problems like heart attacks or strokes.

Yes, circulation problems are very common, especially as people get older. About 1 in 3 adults has high blood pressure, which can affect circulation. Many people have some form of artery disease without knowing it.

Circulation risks affect people of all ages, but they become more common after age 50. People with diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease are more likely to have problems. Men and women both get circulation problems, though men often get them at a younger age.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Leg pain or cramping when walking (called claudication – pain that goes away with rest)
• Numbness or coldness in your feet or hands
• Slow-healing sores on your legs or feet
• Chest pain or discomfort (angina) – feeling of pressure or squeezing
• Shortness of breath during activity
• Swelling in your ankles or feet

Symptoms in children

• Children can have circulation problems, but it is rare. Symptoms may include blue colour around the lips or fingernails (cyanosis), trouble feeding or gaining weight, or being very tired during play.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, symptoms may be mistaken for normal aging. Look for leg pain when walking, cold feet, dizziness when standing up, or confusion that comes and goes.

Causes

Main causes

• Atherosclerosis – a buildup of fatty deposits (plaque) inside your arteries that narrows them and reduces blood flow
• Blood clots that block a blood vessel
• Damaged blood vessels from high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes

Risk factors

• Smoking or using tobacco
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Being overweight or obese
• Not getting enough physical activity
• Eating a diet high in saturated fat and salt
• Having a family history of heart disease or stroke
• Getting older (over 50 increases risk)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Any symptom of a possible heart attack or stroke – call your local emergency number right away
• Sudden severe leg pain with pale or cold skin – this could be a blocked artery

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have leg pain when you walk that goes away when you rest
• You feel short of breath with mild activity
• You have a history of smoking or diabetes and want a circulation check-up
• You notice swelling in your ankles or feet that does not go away

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and your medical and family history. They will also do a physical exam to check your pulse, blood pressure, and look at your legs and feet.

Tests that may be done

• Blood pressure check in your arms and ankles (ankle-brachial index test)
• Blood tests to check cholesterol, blood sugar, and other markers
• Ultrasound or Doppler test to see blood flow in your arteries
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) to check your heart's electrical activity
• Angiogram – a special X-ray that shows your blood vessels using dye

What to expect at your appointment

These tests are usually painless or cause only mild discomfort. The ultrasound involves a gel on your skin and a small device moved over the area. Blood tests take just a few minutes. Your doctor will explain the results and what they mean for your health.

Treatment

Treatment for circulation problems focuses on improving blood flow and reducing your risk of heart attack or stroke. It often starts with lifestyle changes. If those are not enough, your doctor may recommend medicines or procedures.

Self-care at home

• Quit smoking – this is the single most important step you can take
• Be physically active – aim for at least 30 minutes of walking most days
• Eat a heart-healthy diet – vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins
• Manage your weight – losing even 5% of your body weight can help
• Take care of your feet – check them daily for cuts or sores
• Avoid sitting or standing for long periods – move around every hour

Medical treatments

Your doctor may prescribe medicines to lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, prevent blood clots, or control diabetes. Sometimes medicines to widen blood vessels are used. It is important to take any medicine exactly as prescribed and talk to your doctor about side effects.

When is surgery considered?

If lifestyle changes and medicines do not improve your symptoms, or if a blood vessel is severely blocked, you may need a procedure to restore blood flow. This could be angioplasty (a balloon opens the artery) or bypass surgery (a new route for blood). Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.

Living with this condition

Living with a circulation problem means paying attention to your body. Take short breaks if you get leg pain when walking – stop, rest, and then continue. Wear comfortable shoes and check your feet daily for any changes. Keep warm in cold weather, as cold can tighten blood vessels.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active but listen to your body – stop if you feel pain or shortness of breath
• Eat plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; limit salty and fatty foods
• Manage stress through relaxation, hobbies, or talking to someone
• Limit alcohol to no more than one drink a day for women and two for men
• Keep all your medical appointments and take your medicines as directed

Diet and exercise

A heart-healthy diet includes foods like oats, nuts, fish, and olive oil. Try to eat at least five portions of fruit and vegetables a day. For exercise, walking is great – start slowly and gradually increase. Always talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise programme.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with a long-term health condition can be stressful and worrying. You might feel anxious about your symptoms or depressed because of limitations. It is normal to feel this way. Talk to your doctor or a counsellor. If you are feeling very low or have thoughts of harming yourself, get help immediately.

Prevention

You can greatly reduce your risk of circulation problems by making healthy choices. Not smoking, being active, eating well, and managing your weight are key. Keeping your blood pressure and cholesterol in a healthy range also helps. Even if you have risk factors like family history, you can still lower your risk.

Vaccines

Vaccines do not directly prevent circulation problems, but staying up to date on vaccines like the flu shot and pneumonia vaccine can help prevent infections that could put extra strain on your heart.

Screening programmes

Routine blood pressure checks at your doctor's office are a simple way to screen for circulation problems. After age 40, the NHS offers a free health check every 5 years that includes heart and circulation risk. Talk to your doctor about when you should be checked.

Complications

If left untreated

• Heart attack – when blood flow to the heart is blocked
• Stroke – when blood flow to the brain is blocked
• Peripheral artery disease causing severe leg pain or amputation
• Kidney damage from high blood pressure
• Blood clots that can travel to the lungs (pulmonary embolism)

Long-term outlook

With early detection and proper care, most people with circulation problems can live full, active lives. Treatment and lifestyle changes can slow or even reverse some damage. Even if you have had a serious event like a heart attack, modern medicine and rehabilitation can help you recover and stay well. The key is to work with your healthcare team and take steps every day to protect your circulation.

Find support

Local organisations

• NHS heart and circulation information ↗ · UK

Helplines

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