Your Health In Mind with Michael Storm and Dr. Dean Lloyd, July 31, 2025

Today’s Topic:
“Circulation Reduced”

Causes:  

1. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): This condition involves the narrowing of arteries, most commonly in the legs and feet, due to plaque buildup (atherosclerosis).  

2. Blood Clots: Both deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) can cause reduced circulation. DVT occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep vein, often in the leg, while PE happens when a clot travels to the lungs, obstructing blood flow.  

3. Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and nerves, contributing to poor circulation, especially in the extremities.  

4. Obesity: Excess weight puts additional strain on the circulatory system, making it harder for blood to circulate effectively.  

5. Smoking: Smoking damages blood vessels and increases the risk of plaque buildup, leading to reduced blood flow.  

6. Other factors: Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart conditions can also contribute to poor circulation by affecting blood vessel health and blood flow. Additionally, Raynaud’s disease, where blood vessels narrow in response to cold or stress, can also cause reduced circulation in the fingers and toes.  

7. Sedentary Lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can impair blood flow, as muscles help circulate blood throughout the body.  Poor Circulation: Common Causes, Symptoms and Exercise Tips

8. Other conditions: Varicose veins, where blood pools in the veins of the legs, can also lead to poor circulation in the    

Solutions

Reduced blood circulation, often referred to as poor circulation, occurs when the circulatory system, responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body, is less efficient. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, most commonly affecting the extremities like the legs, feet, and hands. 

Fortunately, there are several solutions, ranging from lifestyle modifications to medical treatments, that can help improve blood flow and alleviate symptoms.

 Lifestyle changes Exercise regularly: Engaging in activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or even simple stretches helps pump blood more efficiently and strengthens the cardiovascular system. Maintain a healthy weight: Being overweight can put extra pressure on the circulatory system, contributing to poor circulation. Losing weight can reduce this strain. Quit smoking: Smoking significantly damages blood vessels and constricts them, hindering blood flow. Quitting is crucial for improving circulation and overall health. Eat a healthy, balanced diet: Focus on foods rich in antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids, like berries, garlic, fish, nuts, and seeds. Avoid foods high in saturated fat and sodium, which can negatively affect blood pressure and plaque buildup. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can thicken the blood, making it harder for the heart to pump. Drinking enough water helps maintain proper blood viscosity and flow. Elevate legs: Elevating the legs above the heart for 15-20 minutes daily can improve blood return to the heart and reduce swelling. Wear compression stockings: These garments apply gentle pressure to the legs, assisting the veins in pushing blood back to the heart and reducing swelling. Manage stress: Chronic stress can constrict blood vessels, affecting circulation. Practicing stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga can be beneficial. Take breaks from sitting or standing: Prolonged sitting or standing can reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. Regularly moving, stretching, or walking can help mitigate this effect. Drink green tea: Green tea contains antioxidants that can help blood vessels dilate, potentially boosting circulation.  2. Medical treatments If lifestyle changes aren’t sufficient or if an underlying medical condition is causing poor circulation, a doctor may recommend medical treatments.  Medications: Blood thinners like antiplatelet drugs or anticoagulants can prevent blood clots from forming or growing. Clot dissolvers (thrombolytics) are used for serious conditions such as pulmonary embolism. Blood pressure medications like alpha blockers or calcium channel blockers can help regulate blood pressure and improve blood flow. Statins can help lower cholesterol and reduce plaque buildup in the arteries. Insulin can be prescribed for individuals with diabetes to manage blood glucose levels and prevent diabetes-related complications affecting circulation. Procedures: Angioplasty: This procedure uses a balloon to open and stretch blocked arteries, restoring blood flow. Bypass surgery: In more severe cases, bypass surgery may be necessary to reroute blood flow around a blocked artery using a vein or synthetic graft. Catheter-assisted thrombectomy: A minimally invasive procedure to remove blood clots. Vena cava filter: This device is inserted to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs. Varicose vein treatment: Procedures like sclerotherapy or vein ablation can be used to close or remove varicose veins that may be affecting circulation. Laser treatments: In some cases, doctors use lasers to address circulation problems, according to a YouTube video.