4 Subtle Signs of Poor Circulation

Proper circulation is essential for carrying nutrients and oxygen to every cell. When something interferes with good circulation, your body suffers. Often, the signs of poor circulation are subtle and easily overlooked, but you can spot them if you know what to look out for. 

Cardiovascular physician Majed Chane, MD, provides comprehensive evaluations and treatments for a range of heart and vascular issues. It’s vital to have an evaluation to determine the cause of circulation issues. Doing so enables Dr. Chane to recommend an appropriate treatment plan. 

In this blog, our team at CA Heart and Vein Specialists put together a list of subtle symptoms to look out for that may point to circulation problems. 

Persistent cold extremities

If you tend to find your hands and feet are colder than the rest of your body, it could be a subtle sign of sluggish circulation. When blood flow is restricted, extremities like hands, fingers, and toes are the first to suffer due to their distance from the heart. 

While it’s common to experience cold extremities in cooler temperatures, consistent coldness in your hands and feet, even in warmer conditions, signals a need for evaluation. This symptom is your body’s way of letting you know that blood isn’t efficiently reaching these areas.

Slower wound healing

A wound that takes a bit longer to heal than normal is another subtle circulation red flag. Poor circulation impairs wound healing because not enough of the nutrients in your blood are reaching the injury site. Pay attention to wounds that seem to linger, especially those on the legs and feet. 

Efficient circulation is crucial for wound healing as it transports nutrients and immune cells to the damaged area. When blood flow is compromised, small cuts or even insect bites can linger or turn into more serious skin ulcers that endanger your health.

Anytime you have poor wound healing, it’s wise to have an evaluation to check for issues such as peripheral artery disease. 

Varicose veins and skin discoloration

Varicose veins aren’t just a cosmetic issue. They can be a clear sign of circulation issues in the legs. Due to the effects of gravity, veins must work hard to return blood to the heart. This makes your veins in the legs vulnerable to circulation issues. Varicose veins develop when valves inside the veins weaken, causing blood to pool in the legs. 

In addition, look out for changes in skin color, such as bluish or pale skin, which can be a sign that not enough oxygenated blood is reaching the surface of your skin. 

Both varicose veins and skin discoloration can be early warnings of vascular issues that need attention.

Unexplained fatigue and dizziness

Consistent fatigue and episodes of dizziness could be more than just the result of a busy lifestyle or lack of sleep. When circulation is poor, your organs and muscles are deprived of an adequate supply of the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly. 

This can lead to a general sense of tiredness and even dizzy spells, especially when you stand up too quickly from a sitting or lying position, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension.

When to seek medical advice

If you recognize any of these subtle signs, visit the CA Heart and Vein Specialist team. Dr. Chane can conduct appropriate tests to assess your circulatory health and recommend lifestyle changes or treatments. 

Factors like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and quitting smoking can significantly improve circulation. In some cases, medication or medical interventions are needed.

If you have signs of circulatory problems or you’re concerned about your circulatory health, the best place to start is with an evaluation. If Dr. Chane finds an issue with your circulation, he can recommend treatment approaches to manage your condition and boost your circulatory health. 

To learn more, and to schedule an appointment, call our office in Huntington Beach, California, at 657-206-8491. Your circulatory health matters.