The connection between blood clots and poor circulation

What do lightheadedness, cold toes, slow-healing wounds and numbness have in common? They all could indicate a blood clot or other circulatory problem. After all, these conditions are closely related. That’s why it’s important to take a closer look at the connection between the two. Understanding how they connect can help you spot warning signs sooner.

What are circulatory issues?

Your heart and blood vessels make up your vascular system. Picture a map of a busy city. Your arteries are like highways, moving blood from your heart to your organs.

Think of your vascular system like a city grid:

• Arteries are highways, sending blood from your heart to organs.
• Veins are streets, carrying blood back.
• Capillaries are alleys, delivering nutrients and removing waste.

Essentially, circulatory issues are problems with your blood flow through these pathways. And many different things can contribute to poor circulation, including:

• Aneurysm: A weakened artery wall that bulges
• High or low blood pressure
• Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): A blood clot in the leg
• Diabetes
• Family history of vascular disease
• Obesity
• Peripheral artery disease (PAD): Narrowed arteries outside the heart
• Plaque buildup in arteries
• Prolonged sitting or inactivity
• Pulmonary embolism: A blood clot that travels to the lungs
• Raynaud's disease: Narrowing of blood vessels in fingers and toes due to stress or cold
• Smoking
• Varicose veins: Swollen veins near the surface of the skin

Can blood clots cause poor circulation?

Blood clots are gel-like masses that can form anywhere in the body, including the heart, arteries, veins, lungs and brain. They serve an essential purpose, such as stopping bleeding after an injury, but, according to Dr. David Woodard, a cardiologist with HCA Florida Healthcare, clots can become dangerous if they develop where they shouldn’t. In those cases, they may slow or block blood flow, leading to poor circulation or serious complications such as stroke.

Several factors can contribute to clot formation, including bleeding disorders, chronic health conditions, lifestyle choices and family history.

Poor blood circulation symptoms and signs

Many signs are subtle or go unnoticed. Symptoms of poor blood circulation may include:

• Cold fingers or toes
• Blue or pale skin
• Tingling or numbness
• Swelling
• Achy or weak muscles
• Bulging veins
• Chest pain
• Difficulty walking
• Wounds that won't heal
• Lightheadedness

If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s best to talk with a doctor — and your primary care provider is a good place to start. If your doctor needs more information to diagnose or rule out circulatory issues, he or she may recommend to schedule an appointment with a cardiologist.

Treatments that can help

In addition to recommending lifestyle changes and prescribing medication, HCA Florida Healthcare cardiologists perform more than 115,000 procedures each year. We use the latest research and technology, including a new FDA-approved blood clot removal method for hard-to-reach veins — helping us treat clots more quickly and precisely.

Treatment may include:

• Surgery
  • Angioplasty (to open up a blocked artery)
  • Bypass (to go around a blocked artery)
  • Catheter-assisted thrombus removal (to remove a blood clot)
  • Varicose vein removal or closure
  • Vena cava filters (to prevent blood clots from reaching the lungs)
• Medication
  • Aspirin (to prevent your body from making large clots)
  • Blood pressure medications (to lower blood pressure)
  • Blood thinners (to help prevent clots)
  • Statins (to reduce plaque buildup in arteries)
  • Thrombolytics (to help dissolve large clots)
• Lifestyle changes
  • Closely watching your diet
  • Elevating your legs often
  • Getting regular exercise
  • Stopping smoking
  • Using a warm compress when needed
  • Wearing compression socks
  • Working with a physical therapist

Whether you're dealing with minor discomfort or serious symptoms, don’t wait. Poor circulation and blood clots both deserve attention — because your body is trying to tell you something important. If you have signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment right away.