What Is Poor Circulation, PAD?

Did you know that the heart and circulatory system isplaque normally takes years to build up, which used to
one of the most important, and perhaps the leastbe why older people were more at risk for bad
appreciated part of a person's body? The function ofcirculation but because of people's life style and eating
the circulatory system is to carry oxygen filled bloodhabits today, poor circulation affects all ages.
and nutrients through the body, feeding each individualWhen the lower body, legs and feet, don't get enough
cell and picking up waste material like carbon dioxideblood flow, serious problems can occur. Here are
which it drops off in the lungs to be expelled from thesome of the symptoms of poor circulation: Cramping
body as we breathe.or fatigue in the legs, buttock or feet during activity.
In the U.S alone, millions are suffering from a conditionThis will usually go away with rest but return as soon
in their circulatory system, a condition commonlyas soon as you resume your activity. Cramping or pain
known as bad circulation. The scary thing is that manyin your legs while sitting for long periods of time, such
people are suffering from bad circulation without evenas driving long distances, or while on a long flight or bus
knowing it and if left untreated some of theride.. Your legs will "fall asleep" while sitting or sleeping.
complications that can come about as a result of poorTired, aching feet or swelling of the feet and/or legs.
circulation include; heart attack, stroke, amputation andLower temperature in the legs and feet compared
death.with the rest of the body. This can also apply to arms
People afflicted with circulatory system disease sufferand hands.
from many problems that are sometimes attributed toThere are some factors in your life style which can be
other areas. For example: Poor leg circulationcontrolled to help prevent bad circulations while on the
(restricted blood flow to the legs) is most commonlyother hand there are factors which can not be
caused by Peripheral Vascular Disease, or PVD.controlled such as; age and family history.
These are disorders involving blood vessels on theSince most people in today's society can be at risk for
outside of the heart. PVD can involve peripheralbad circulation, it is important to read up on this
arteries (blood vessels that carry blood away from thecondition so that you can learn how to prevent it or
heart) or peripheral veins (blood vessels that carryeven treat it if your case of bad circulation is not so
blood toward the heart) and later result in badbad already that you need medical help.
circulation.Although if you believe you are at risk and may have
When PVD involves the arteries, it is known asPAD, you should seek medical advice from
Peripheral Artery Disease, or PAD. A fatty substanceprofessionals before doing anything else. Suffering
called plaque builds up and hardens on the walls of thefrom poor circulation can become very serious if left
peripheral arteries, making it difficult for blood to roperlyuntreated.
flow through and thus causing bad circulation. The