What Is Poor Circulation, PAD?

Did you know that the heart and circulatory system is one of the most important, and perhaps the least appreciated part of a person's body? The function of the circulatory system is to carry oxygen filled blood and nutrients through the body, feeding each individual cell and picking up waste material like carbon dioxide which it drops off in the lungs to be expelled from the body as we breathe.

In the U.S alone, millions are suffering from a condition in their circulatory system, a condition commonly known as bad circulation. The scary thing is that many people are suffering from bad circulation without even knowing it and if left untreated some of the complications that can come about as a result of poor circulation include; heart attack, stroke, amputation and death.

People afflicted with circulatory system disease suffer from many problems that are sometimes attributed to other areas. For example: Poor leg circulation (restricted blood flow to the legs) is most commonly caused by Peripheral Vascular Disease, or PVD. These are disorders involving blood vessels on the outside of the heart. PVD can involve peripheral arteries (blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart) or peripheral veins (blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart) and later result in bad circulation.

When PVD involves the arteries, it is known as Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD. A fatty substance called plaque builds up and hardens on the walls of the peripheral arteries, making it difficult for blood to roperly flow through and thus causing bad circulation. The plaque normally takes years to build up, which used to be why older people were more at risk for bad circulation but because of people's life style and eating habits today, poor circulation affects all ages.

When the lower body, legs and feet, don't get enough blood flow, serious problems can occur. Here are some of the symptoms of poor circulation: Cramping or fatigue in the legs, buttock or feet during activity. This will usually go away with rest but return as soon as soon as you resume your activity. Cramping or pain in your legs while sitting for long periods of time, such as driving long distances, or while on a long flight or bus ride.. Your legs will "fall asleep" while sitting or sleeping. Tired, aching feet or swelling of the feet and/or legs. Lower temperature in the legs and feet compared with the rest of the body. This can also apply to arms and hands.

There are some factors in your life style which can be controlled to help prevent bad circulations while on the other hand there are factors which can not be controlled such as; age and family history.

Since most people in today's society can be at risk for bad circulation, it is important to read up on this condition so that you can learn how to prevent it or even treat it if your case of bad circulation is not so bad already that you need medical help.

Although if you believe you are at risk and may have PAD, you should seek medical advice from professionals before doing anything else. Suffering from poor circulation can become very serious if left untreated.