Warning Signs of Poor Blood Circulation

If your feet are always cold or you feel “pins and needles” in your legs regularly, you might wonder if you have poor blood circulation. Knowing the early signs can help you get treatment before complications develop. 

“Your entire health is intimately related with circulation,” says Anahita Dua, MD, a Mass General Brigham vascular surgeon who cares for patients at Massachusetts General Hospital. When circulation problems arise, your body often gives warning signs. 

By understanding how your circulatory system works—and what to watch for—you can take steps to avoid serious complications.

What is poor circulation?

The circulatory system includes your heart, the arteries that carry blood to organs and tissues, and the veins that carry it back to the heart. Through this process, your body gets the oxygen and nutrients it needs to function.

Certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices—diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity—can damage blood vessels and make it harder for blood to flow. Lack of adequate blood supply can lead to complications that may become more severe over time.

Identifying early warning signs of poor blood circulation allows you and your doctor to take steps to prevent complications. Lifestyle changes can complement medical treatments to improve your circulation.

Signs of reduced blood flow in arteries

Arteries are strong, smooth blood vessels designed to handle high-pressure blood flow. When arteries are damaged, a waxy buildup called plaque can develop along artery walls, narrowing the opening and reducing blood flow to your organs and tissues. Depending on the cause, this can happen quickly or over several years.

Signs of poor blood circulation in your arteries include:

• Cold fingers or toes
• Numbness
• Pain
• Pins and needles sensation
• White or blue skin

Peripheral artery disease and poor circulation

One of the most common conditions caused by poor circulation in the arteries is peripheral artery disease (PAD), which happens when the arteries in your arms and legs are narrowed.

Symptoms of PAD include:

• Discomfort during activity: Pain, cramping, numbness, or fatigue during activity (such as walking) is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in your blood due to poor circulation.
• Discomfort when resting: Untreated PAD can worsen and cause burning or aching pain even at rest.
• Skin discoloration: Severe PAD can cause purple, green, black, or white skin that may feel cold or tingly. These symptoms may indicate ischemia, a sudden blockage in an artery that is limiting blood flow and oxygen. If this occurs, seek immediate medical care.
• Ulcers: Wounds can form on your feet or toes that take a long time to heal.

Signs of reduced blood flow in veins

Veins are smaller and weaker than arteries because the blood they carry back to the heart is at a lower pressure. Unlike arteries, they don’t develop plaque. However, when veins are damaged, they can weaken, stretch, or form blood clots—all of which can reduce circulation.

Signs of poor circulation in veins include:

• Bulging veins in the legs
• Discolored skin on hands or feet
• Swollen legs or feet

Poor circulation in veins can lead to conditions such as:

• Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): Severe blood pooling in veins can cause pain, swelling, and skin changes.
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): Damage to the walls of a vein can cause blood clots to form. These clots reduce or fully block blood flow, causing pain or swelling. A blood clot that breaks free can get lodged in a blood vessel in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), heart (heart attack), or brain (stroke).
• Varicose veins: Weakened veins stretch and swell. Blood then pools in the vein, causing it to bulge and form varicose veins.

When to see a doctor

If you experience any symptom of reduced blood flow, speak with your doctor. Symptoms like chest pain, lightheadedness, and numbness require immediate attention.

Your doctor can diagnose poor circulation through a physical examination, a review of your medical history, and diagnostic tests that measure blood flow and blood pressure.

“There are a million different things we can do for you,” says Dr. Dua. The important thing is to get treatment so you can enjoy a healthier life.