The circulatory system consists of our heart, lungs and blood vessels; all of which are responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout our bodies.
When our circulatory system is not functioning well, and blood flow has decreased, we may experience symptoms that include:
- Muscle cramps
- Numbness or tingling in hands and feet
- Cold hands and feet
- Problems getting or keeping an erection
- Memory loss or difficulty concentrating
- Slow healing of wounds
- Varicose veins
- Fatigue
- Edema (the accumulation of fluid in certain parts of the body)
The symptoms of poor circulation should not be ignored as they are sometimes indicative of serious health problems such as:
- Diabetes
- Blood clots
- Atherosclerosis
- Peripheral artery disease
- Hypertension
Ignoring symptoms and delaying care can be detrimental to your health. If you are experiencing symptoms that are associated with poor circulation, notify your healthcare provider immediately. Your doctor can conduct a physical examination or order tests to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
All content of this newsletter is intended for general information purposes only and is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a medical professional before adopting any of the suggestions on this page. You must never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment based upon any content of this newsletter. PROMPTLY CONSULT YOUR PHYSICIAN OR CALL 911 IF YOU BELIEVE YOU HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY.