Inadequate limb perfusion refers to decreased arterial blood flow to the limbs. This may be due to a sudden embolic event that obstructs arterial flow, or a chronic obstructive process that leads to decreased arterial flow to the extremities.

PI values range from 0.02% (weak pulse) to 20% (strong pulse). A site with a high IP number generally indicates an optimal monitoring site. PI is a relative number and varies with patients, physiological conditions, and monitoring sites. Therefore, the “normal” IP of each patient is unique.

The body’s circulation system sends blood and oxygen throughout the body. Poor circulation, also known as poor perfusion, occurs when blood flow to a specific part of your body is reduced.

Common symptoms of poor circulation

• Tingling and numbness.
• Coldness.
• Muscle cramps.
• Swelling.

Poor circulation is a common feeling that affects millions of people each year. It can range from something as benign as your leg going numb after sitting for a long time to something life threatening like a blood clot.

The body’s circulation system sends blood and oxygen throughout the body. Poor circulation, also known as poor perfusion, occurs when blood flow to a specific part of your body is reduced.

It is important to note that poor circulation is not a condition in itself, but the result of other factors. Understand the possible causes of poor circulation and watch out for the signs to ensure your body is as healthy as possible.

Potential causes

To prevent poor circulation in your body and work to improve blood flow, it is important to understand what the main causes of it are. Poor circulation is a direct result of several different conditions, and each condition has its own unique causes that can lead to numerous symptoms.

Here are three common causes of poor circulation that typically require a trip to a medical professional for treatment.

1. Peripheral arterial disease: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries in the body to narrow. If left untreated, arteries can harden due to plaque buildup and lead to more aggressive symptoms, such as a heart attack or stroke. PAD is common among adults over 50 years of age. Also, people who smoke are at increased risk of developing PAD earlier in life.
2. Varicose veins: Varicose veins are also a common cause of poor circulation. A varicose vein is a vein that becomes enlarged due to valve failure. These veins usually have a damaged and congested appearance and are often found on the back of the legs. Because the veins have been damaged, they cannot move blood as quickly and efficiently as other veins in the body, leading to poor circulation. Unfortunately, there is no good way to prevent varicose veins as they are mostly determined by your genetics. Women and adults who are overweight are more likely to get varicose veins, although younger people can get them too.
3. Blood clots: One of the most serious causes of poor circulation, blood clots form when certain parts of the blood thicken, creating a buildup of almost solid mass. The clots block the flow of blood, which leads to poor circulation. A blood clot can occur anywhere in your body, but they most often occur in your legs and arms. Blood clots can be dangerous, and one of the first signs you may have is poor circulation in your appendages. If a blood clot breaks loose and enters the heart or lungs, it can cause a stroke, heart attack, or even death.

Have you ever woken up from a nap or stood up after a long car ride feeling like your leg has “fallen asleep”? In essence, this is the most basic symptom of poor circulation. While the symptoms of poor circulation aren’t always obvious, when there are warning signs of poor blood flow, it’s usually pretty easy to tell what they are. Here are four of the most common symptoms of when your body feels poorly circulating and flowing blood:

1. Tingling and numbness

The most common symptom of poor circulation is a feeling of numbness and tingling, which usually occurs in the extremities, such as the fingers, toes, hands, and feet.

Tingling and numbness usually occur because something is restricting blood flow, meaning blood is unable to reach the extremities in sufficient amounts, causing a feeling of numbness or pins and needles.

2. Coldness

A reduction in blood flow due to poor circulation can also make your extremities like your fingers, toes, hands, and feet feel much cooler than the rest of your body. This can occur due to a natural process when blood cannot flow through your body at a normal rate.

To compensate for the lack of blood flow, the body will draw blood to major organs, such as the heart and lungs, and away from the extremities. This will cause the temperature in your extremities to drop, leading to that cold feeling you may be experiencing.

3. Muscle cramps

Another common cause of poor blood flow and circulation is cramping of the muscles, usually around the legs, feet, arms, and hands. When blood does not circulate properly, the oxygen carried in the blood does not reach muscle tissues effectively, which can lead to muscle stiffness and cramps.

4. Swelling

One sign that poor circulation may be leading to serious health problems is swelling of the lower extremities, such as the legs and feet. If blood doesn’t circulate properly, it can cause fluid to build up over time.

This fluid buildup is called “edema” and can be an early sign of heart failure because the heart is unable to circulate the adequate supply of blood needed to keep the body working. Edema occurs when non-circulating blood collects in clumps creating pressure and forcing fluid from blood vessels into surrounding tissues.

In many cases, poor circulation is quite easy to treat and resolve simply by adjusting your daily routine. In more extreme cases, a doctor may have to prescribe medications that can improve symptoms of poor circulation and prevent the buildup of life-threatening blood clots.

Be sure to talk to your doctor or cardiologist before making any lifestyle changes to make sure you’re doing what’s best for your body. Your doctor may suggest:

• Exercise: Exercise is a great way to quickly improve blood circulation, particularly in the legs and lower body. One of the best exercises for poor circulation is simply walking, which can help promote the formation of new blood vessels in your legs, increasing blood flow. Walking can also help improve cardiovascular health by increasing your heart rate without requiring demanding or strenuous exertion.
• Stay hydrated: When the body is dehydrated, the blood retains sodium, which makes it thick and difficult for it to circulate throughout the body. Try to drink between 11 and 16 cups of water per day to keep your body properly hydrated and your blood circulating properly.
• Watch your diet: Eating healthy is crucial to improving blood flow and circulation throughout the body. Consider incorporating heart-healthy foods like green leafy vegetables, whole grains, and fatty fish into your daily diet.