Warning Signs of Vascular Disease: What You Need to Know

One of the most common symptoms of poor vascular health is leg pain or cramping, especially when walking or exercising. This condition, called claudication, happens when the arteries in your legs are narrowed or blocked, limiting blood flow to your muscles. You may notice that the pain goes away when you rest but returns when you’re active again.

Signs of claudication include:

• Aching, burning, or tiredness in the legs or feet
• Pain that gets worse when walking or climbing stairs
• Relief of pain when resting

If you experience numbness or weakness in your arms or legs, it could be a sign of a vascular issue. This happens when blood flow is restricted to certain areas of the body, making it difficult for your muscles to function normally. If the numbness comes on suddenly, it could be a sign of a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA), which is a medical emergency.

Signs to watch for:

• Tingling or “pins and needles” in your arms or legs
• Weakness or heaviness in your limbs
• Trouble gripping objects or walking

Cold or discolored fingers and toes can be a sign of poor circulation. When blood flow is restricted, your extremities may not get enough warm blood to keep them at a normal temperature. In severe cases, your fingers or toes may turn pale or blue, which is a sign that the tissues aren’t getting enough oxygen.

Look for these signs:

• Cold hands or feet, even in warm conditions
• Blue or purple tint in the skin
• Pale skin on your legs, feet, or toes

Slow-healing or non-healing wounds can be a sign of poor vascular health. When blood flow is limited, it can be harder for your body to heal cuts, scrapes, or other injuries. This is especially common in people with diabetes, as poor circulation can make it more difficult to heal.

Signs to look out for:

• Ulcers or sores on the feet or legs
• Cuts that take longer than normal to heal
• Wounds that become infected easily

Swelling in the legs, ankles, or feet, also known as edema, can be a sign of poor circulation. This swelling occurs when blood doesn’t move efficiently through the veins and begins to pool in the lower body. This can be a sign of venous insufficiency, where veins struggle to return blood back to the heart.

Signs of venous insufficiency include:

• Swollen ankles or feet, especially after standing or sitting for long periods
• Tight, shiny skin on the legs
• Skin that feels warm or tender to the touch

Varicose veins are large, twisted veins that usually appear in the legs. They are often a sign of poor vascular health, as they indicate that blood is pooling in the veins rather than flowing smoothly back to the heart. While varicose veins can be harmless for some people, they can also be a sign of a more serious condition called chronic venous insufficiency.

Signs of varicose veins include:

• Bulging, twisted veins in the legs
• Aching or discomfort around the veins
• Itching or burning sensation in the skin near the veins

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms listed above, schedule an appointment with your doctor. They may recommend tests such as a Doppler ultrasound or blood pressure measurement to assess your vascular health. Your doctor can also provide guidance on how to manage risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes.

Simple lifestyle changes can have a big impact on your vascular health. These include:

• Exercise regularly
• Eat a healthy diet
• Quit smoking
• Manage stress
• Control diabetes

Sitting or standing for long periods of time can increase your risk of poor vascular health, especially if you’re already at risk for conditions like deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Try to stay active throughout the day by walking around, stretching, and avoiding sitting for long periods without breaks.

If you’re over 55 or have risk factors for vascular disease, regular vascular health screenings are a good tool for early detection. Vascular health screenings are a painless, non-invasive test to help you understand your risk for vascular disease.

Learn more about vascular health screenings at Mercy’s Plumb Heart Center.