Five unusual signs that may mean you are at risk of heart disease

Poor circulation occurs when something interferes with the complex circulatory system that delivers blood, oxygen, and nutrients to your entire body.

Blood and circulation are essential to general health and ability to function. Without good circulation, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms that can affect your quality of life and put you at risk of developing other complications.

While poor circulation may be due to a relatively harmless cause, such as Raynaud's syndrome, it may indicate several problems that can increase the risk of heart disease and heart failure. Therefore, looking for the signs can be life-saving.

For some people, poor circulation will be an indication of narrowing of the blood vessels, which may indicate peripheral artery disease or atherosclerosis.

It is also a possible sign of blood clots, which can lead to strokes and heart attacks, or high cholesterol, one of many factors that can lead to heart disease.

With this in mind, Professor Alun Davies, vascular surgeon and clinical trial leader for the Revitive Circulation Booster, describes five unexpected signs of poor circulation.

Hair loss in the lower extremities

Unintentional hair loss in the legs and feet may be a sign of poor circulation, says E.

He explains: "The lack of blood in the legs means that the hair follicles will not get enough nourishment and will eventually die. This is more noticeable in men. This lack of blood flow to the legs can quickly escalate into more serious symptoms."

Scientists announce the launch of a "pioneering" vaccine for cancer and heart disease that "could save millions of lives"

Ulcer

"Poor circulation means that blocked arteries reduce the amount of blood that reaches the legs, which can lead to ulcers that won't heal," Davies explained. "These open sores often occur on the lower leg, with some appearing without any pain, which means that many consider them harmless." A recurrent ulcer or ulcer that does not heal should not be ignored and should be treated to avoid infection and other complications.”

Upset stomach

"Do you have abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in your stool? It may not be from something you ate. Although very rare, it can be a sign of poor circulation," said Dr. Davies.

He added, "As with all vital organs, your stomach needs the flow of oxygen-rich blood to function properly. Organ failure due to restricted blood flow can lead to digestive issues and decreased appetite due to a slowed metabolism."

Dizziness and memory loss

Feeling inexplicably dizzy, losing balance and being forgetful, Davies noted, "can be signs of poor circulation, where not enough blood is getting to the brain. Your brain will work to reduce certain functions like memory and balance."

Cold and numb feet all year round

"If the rest of your body is warm but the feet are still cold or if you're in pain at the same time, the problem is poor circulation," Davies explained.

In fact, lack of blood flow to the legs is a common cause of cold feet.

And while some may experience pain caused by poor circulation, others may experience numbness, which can not only be annoying, but can also cause balance problems.

Common symptoms of heart disease include:

Chest pain (angina pectoris)

- shortness of breath

Pain all over the body

feeling faint

Feeling nauseous

And if you think you could have a heart condition, you should talk to your GP.