SYMPTOMS

Circulation Problems

As the cells are supplied with oxygen and nutrients essential to their survival and proper functioning, an active and healthy circulation is a vital function. The heart and the blood vessels are the most important and necessary parts of the circulation. If the heart and cardiac function isn’t impaired, then an improper circulation can have two main reasons for existing, one of them is arteriosclerosis and the other is hypo-tension or a low blood pressure in the person. The deposit of plaques in the arteries, which causes the narrowing of the blood vessels, is the reason for a restricted circulatory function in people with arteriosclerosis. The plaque deposits formed in arteries, are due to a diet rich in saturated fats and poor in the essential fatty acids that the body cannot process. A low pressure in the veins is what is known as low blood pressure, because the veins return blood to the heart, this is dangerous. Therefore the blood slows down, and can collect in the extremities due to the weak tissues and the motionlessness. A fall in blood pressure can result from standing for extended periods in the sunlight; this can overload the venous system. An additional strain on the circulatory system can result due to blood loss from injury and dehydration from an illness. The circulatory system can become sluggish and collapse because of an episode of extended bed-rest. Whatever be the cause, a person involved in some form of physical activity is at a reduced risk from circulatory troubles.

Anyone experiencing circulatory problems should avoid cigarette smoking at all costs, since this activity noticeably constricts blood vessels and aggravates problems in those already ill. Buerger's disease, which impedes circulation even to the point of causing gangrene which might bring on a consequent need for amputation of limbs and is caused by smoking. Other substances and drugs like some oral contraceptives and diuretics can also cause circulatory distress.