thewell.northwell.edu/heart-health/poor-circulation-symptoms

HEART HEALTH

6 Symptoms Of Poor Circulation

A cardiologist shares the telltale signs of poor circulation—and why you shouldn’t ignore them.

By

Colleen Travers , Writer for The Well by Northwell, January 1, 2024

If you frequently have cold fingers and feet, it’s easy to assume that you’re just someone who runs cold. But if you’re also experiencing tingly fingers and toes, those symptoms aren’t something to simply cover up with a pair of fuzzy gloves and socks.

Cold extremities could be a sign of poor circulation, says Evelina Grayver, MD, FACC, director of the Women’s Heart Program at Northwell Health’s Katz Institute for Women’s Health. What gets misconstrued, however, is that poor circulation is isolated to one area of the body.

“Think of the circulation system like the plumbing to a house,” Grayver explains. “If there’s an issue in one part, there’s most likely an issue elsewhere.”

However, it’s not always so clear-cut that your circulatory system may be sluggish. Here, Grayver explains some of the common symptoms of poor circulation, when to mention it to a doctor, and ways make sure your circulatory system is working properly.

Why poor circulation is a problem

The circulatory system is the highway of arteries and small capillaries that lets oxygen and nutrients zip around through our blood. So if left untreated, poor circulation may lead to more serious health concerns—including heart attack, heart disease, stroke, heart valve complications, and other diseases—especially as we get older.

As we age, the circulatory system can slow down from plaque buildup in the arteries, a problem that typically begins between 30 and 40 years old. “This can happen even earlier if there are underlying health conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, or a history of smoking,” says Grayer. “If there’s obstruction to the blood flow, the circulatory system can no longer pump blood effectively to all the parts of the body.”

Symptoms of poor circulation

Achy or tingling muscles

It’s normal for our muscles to ache after a workout, but there’s concern when they hurt or feel weak specifically when you start moving. “You could feel completely fine while at rest, but if you get up and start moving and feel weak or pain in the legs, calves, or feet, that is a sign of poor circulation,” Grayver notes. “For some, this may feel like pins and needles.”

Discoloration

“Pale or blue skin in the hands and feet is especially common in people with poor circulation, but discoloration can appear anywhere,” says Grayver. These areas of the skin may also feel cold or appear bruised, which happens when pressure builds in the veins and causes blood to pool.

Numbness

Many people relate numbness to a pinched nerve or neurological issue, but it can also be a sign of poor circulation.

Lightheadedness

“If you also have significant lightheadedness where it feels like you’re about to pass out, it could mean you potentially have poor circulation in some of the major arteries that lead up to the brain,” Grayver explains. “This is often an early sign of carotid artery disease, a narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain.”

Swelling

“Swelling can happen anywhere—the arms, legs, feet, even the face if there is poor circulation in the head,” says Grayver. Sometimes this starts as bulging veins. As fluid continues to build instead of circulating around the body, it could lead to edema, an early sign of heart disease.

Chest pain

This is a big symptom of poor circulation—and one that may lead to a heart attack. When a heart attack does happen, it’s because there’s poor circulation to the heart, whether that be from a blood clot or a narrowing of the arteries.

Remember, heart attacks look different for men and women, says Grayver. “Women who have poor circulation in the heart rarely have chest pain,” she says. “They might have other signs such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.”

What to do if you have symptoms of poor circulation

If you experience any of these symptoms, Grayver recommends mentioning it to your doctor right away. Depending on where the symptoms are happening in your body, your doctor will run specific tests to determine if poor circulation is the issue, and if a specialist is needed.

“Circulatory problems are 80% preventable and 20% genetic,” adds Grayver. “You can do your part to keep your circulatory system healthy by not smoking or vaping, exercising for at least 30 minutes five days a week, and controlling underlying risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.”

Next Steps and Useful Resources

• The lowdown on high blood pressure.
• Learn about deep vein thrombosis, a potential cause of poor circulation.
• Keep your heart healthy, no matter your age.