Bad circulation symptoms
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Symptoms of Bad Circulation: An Overview
Common Symptoms of Poor Circulation
Cold and Discolored Extremities
One of the most noticeable symptoms of poor circulation is cold and discolored extremities. Patients often report their hands and feet being habitually blue and cold, even in the absence of other health issues. This condition is sometimes mistaken for a weak heart, although there is usually no indication of cardiac weakness.
Dizziness and Weakness
Dizziness and unilateral limb weakness are frequent symptoms associated with posterior circulation ischemia (PCI). These symptoms are reported in nearly half of the cases, making them significant indicators of circulation issues in the posterior part of the brain .
Fatigue and Flu-like Symptoms
In patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), reduced cardiac output is linked to severe fatigue and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms are predictive of lower cardiac output, indicating a problem with circulation.
Symptoms of Hyperkinetic Circulation
In cases of essential hypertension, symptoms such as frequent tachycardia, palpitations, sweating, and anxiety are observed. These symptoms may reflect overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system, which could be related to poor circulation.
Specific Conditions Related to Poor Circulation
Raynaud's Disease
Many cases of poor circulation, characterized by blue and cold extremities, may be mild examples of Raynaud's disease. This condition involves severe forms of angio-spastic and angio-paralytic disease, where the blood vessels spasm and reduce blood flow to certain areas of the body.
Microvascular Angina
Microvascular angina, a condition where small blood vessels in the heart are affected, can lead to symptoms such as chest pain and reduced exercise tolerance. Traditional Chinese medicine for activating blood circulation has shown significant benefits in improving these symptoms and reducing the frequency of angina attacks.
Posterior Circulation Ischemia (PCI)
PCI accounts for a significant percentage of strokes and presents with symptoms like dizziness, unilateral limb weakness, and dysarthria. Accurate diagnosis often relies on advanced imaging techniques, as symptoms can overlap with other conditions .
COVID-19 Related Microvascular Damage
COVID-19 can cause extensive microvascular damage, leading to symptoms such as hypoxemia, muscle weakness, fatigue, and cognitive issues. The virus affects the microcirculation, causing endothelial cell damage and microthrombosis, which interfere with blood and tissue oxygenation.
Diagnostic and Predictive Markers
Systemic Immune Inflammation Index (SII)
The SII is a novel marker that can predict coronary collateral circulation (CCC) in patients with stable coronary artery disease. High levels of SII are associated with poor CCC, indicating a potential link between inflammation and poor circulation.
Conclusion
Poor circulation manifests through a variety of symptoms, including cold extremities, dizziness, fatigue, and chest pain. Conditions like Raynaud's disease, microvascular angina, and posterior circulation ischemia are closely linked to these symptoms. Diagnostic markers such as the SII can help predict circulation issues, while treatments like traditional Chinese medicine show promise in managing symptoms. Understanding these symptoms and their underlying causes is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment.
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