The circulatory system is made of the heart and blood vessels. Circulatory problems involves blood flow through the veins and arteries. When blood leaves the heart, it contains oxygen which it supplies to every part of the body through the arteries. Blood that is de-oxygenated or deficient in oxygen goes back to the heart through the veins. Impaired circulation of blood to and from the hands and feet can occur when there is narrowing or obstruction of the blood vessels.
Peripheral Artery Disease
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says that plaque is a hard substance that is made of fat, cholesterol, calcium and other materials in the body. When it sticks to the arteries that supply the legs with blood, the arteries become narrow and blood supply to the legs is reduced. This then leads to peripheral artery disease. A condition where the legs do not receive adequate oxygen supply via blood. Effects of peripheral artery disease include pain, numbness or cramping in the affected leg. These signs are noted when the legs are being exerted--such as when climbing stairs or walking. Other signs are shiny, hairless legs, leg ulcers or wounds and weak pulses in the legs.
Raynaud's Disease/ Phenomenon
Raynaud's is classified as Raynaud's disease or Raynaud's phenomenon. When the underlying cause of Raynaud's is unknown, it is called Raynaud's disease. If it is caused by a disease or some other known condition, it is known Raynaud's phenomenon. Raynaud's disease or phenomenon is characterized by intermittent constriction of the arteries that supply oxygen rich blood to the finger tips, toes and tip of the nose. According to the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute, Raynaud's usually affects the fingers. It may also affect the toes but is rarely seen in the nose.
In Raynaud's, blood flow to the fingers is reduced as a result of constricted arteries. This leads to pain, coldness and loss of color in the affected fingers. This condition may be triggered by cold weather or medicines that make the arteries constrict. A typical color change normally seen in Raynaud's is when the fingers go from white to blue and then red.
Venous Insufficiency
Venous insufficiency is a problem that affects circulation in the legs. The University of California Davis Vascular Center suggests that venous insufficiency is a situation where blood is unable to flow from the legs back to the heart. It can be caused by blood clots or damaged valves found in the veins. When a blood clot blocks the veins in the legs, it prevents blood flow from the legs to the heart from taking place and this can lead to venous insufficiency.
Blood travels through the veins in one direction only and this is facilitated by squeezing the leg muscles as well as by valves located in the veins. The valves open for blood to flow through the veins towards the heart and closes to prevent blood from flowing back towards the legs. When the valves get damaged, blood may not be able to travel from the legs to the heart efficiently because the valves may be leaky and weak. Pooling of blood in the legs may occur as a result of venous insufficiency. Swelling of the legs, leg sores, discolored leathery and flaky skin on the legs are signs of venous insufficiency.
