Circulation Problems

Circulation of good life-giving blood in our bodies is something we take for granted each day we live. That is, until there comes a time when a problem arises. As you know the heart is the pumping station for our blood to be delivered to all areas of our bodies: organs, skin, arms, legs, and brain. We've heard of many folks who have had coronary artery bypass surgery and that is a major re-circulating feat that is so vital to continuation of life. However, there are other life-threatening problems which can arise due to circulation deficits. Here are a few.

Abdominal aortic aneurysm - This is a bulging (aneurysm)of the main blood vessel (aorta) which comes off of the heart and supplies the body with oxygenated blood. If this bulging artery receives too much pressure or the wall of the aneurysm becomes too thin, it can rupture (or burst) causing massive hemorrhage and even death. There are very rarely signs which can indicate an aortic aneurysm. One of these signs is a pulsation or heartbeat felt in the abdomen (on physical examination), but is not always detectable. Once the aneurysm starts to leak, some people report severe back pain (due to the position of the aorta in the abdominal cavity). If this is detected soon enough, life-saving surgical repair is possible. Frequently, the only way an aneurysm is detected is on ultrasound or scan (CAT or MRI), often when the test is being done for some other problem.

Carotid artery occlusion - the carotid arteries are the 2 main arteries which run up each side of the neck carrying oxygenated blood from the aorta to the brain. Placque can accumulate along the inside of the arteries causing a narrowing of the vessel, thereby reducing blood flow to the brain. This can result in forgetfulness, drowsiness, difficulty with speech. Ultrasound is used to detect narrowing or blockage of the carotid arteries. The treatment is surgical cleaning out of the artery, called carotid endarterectomy.

Peripheral vascular occlusion - narrowing of the arteries in the extremities (most often the legs) is common in the aging process. Symptoms of "intermittent claudication" include: pain, tightness, or weakness in an exercising muscle that occurs on walking and is relieved promptly by rest. When arteries of the skin level are affected, coldness, numbness and pain on rest may occur. Some people experience no symptoms at all, but at a time of injury, may not be able to heal due to the decreased circulation. This circulatory problem can be detected by taking an ankle/brachial index (measuring the systolic blood pressure in the arm (brachial artery) and comparing it to the pressure in the ankle). Treatments include: medication, surgery (bypass of arteries in the leg), or changes in lifestyle such as weight loss, stopping smoking, and walking as much as possible.