Many people are quick to ignore early signs and symptoms of circulatory issues. However, dismissing symptoms such as pain or cramping in your arms and legs could lead to more serious vascular conditions. Here, Olusegun Osinbowale, M.D., a vascular medicine specialist at Henry Ford Health, shares his top tips to help improve your circulation and overall vascular health.
Lifestyle Tips For Better Circulation
Keep moving
A sedentary lifestyle can cause worsening symptoms of an existing vascular condition – leading to swollen legs, heaviness in limbs and vein changes. Regular exercise can not only help reduce pain related to circulatory conditions, but it can also help slow the progression of vascular disease.
Quit smoking
Smoking causes damage to your blood vessels – increasing your risk for vascular conditions. Quitting smoking can dramatically improve your circulation regardless of your age or how long you have smoked.
Wear compression garments
Compression garments help push the blood in your extremities back to your heart – reducing swelling and fluid retention in your arms or legs. Those with circulatory conditions should consider wearing them, but they are also beneficial for traveling, pregnancy, athletes and individuals who spend long periods of time sitting or standing.
Manage your weight
Maintaining a healthy weight can have a major impact on your blood pressure, cholesterol and bodily inflammation levels. If you are overweight or obese, that extra weight can put strain on your heart – making it harder to pump blood throughout your body.
Working With Your Doctor To Improve Your Circulation
Vascular Care At Henry Ford
Beyond the everyday habits that you can adjust on your own, talk to your doctor to explore further options for improving your circulation.
Get preventative screenings
Comprehensive vascular evaluations can be used to identify or diagnose possible circulatory conditions. Testing using x-ray, ultrasound or other noninvasive methods may be recommended.
Talk to your doctor about medication options
While lifestyle changes such as managing your weight, quitting smoking and making dietary changes can help improve your circulation, your doctor may also recommend medications to help you manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels (which contribute to circulatory issues). Other medications such as blood thinners or prescriptions to dilate your blood vessels for increased blood flow may also be recommended.
Reviewed by Dr. Olusegun Osinbowale, a vascular medicine specialist who sees patients at Henry Ford Hospital, Henry Ford Wyandotte Hospital, Henry Ford Cancer Institute and Henry Ford Medical Centers – Bloomfield Township, Sterling Heights and Brownstown.
