Doctor Verified

Are Your Arteries In Trouble? Signs You Might Have Poor Circulation And Which Disease It May Indicate

Don't ignore the warning signs of poor circulation! Learn about the common symptoms, causes, and treatments for peripheral artery disease, venous disease, and deep vein thrombosis. Take control of your vascular health today.
  • SHARE
  • FOLLOW
Are Your Arteries In Trouble? Signs You Might Have Poor Circulation And Which Disease It May Indicate


Poor circulation in the legs is a common, often under-recognised problem that spans a spectrum of conditions; from blocked arteries that starve tissues of oxygen, to leaking veins that allow blood to pool. Early clues are usually subtle: cold feet, cramps on walking, and changes in skin colour. Recognising these warning signs promptly can prevent complications and improve long-term limb and cardiovascular health.

We spoke to Dr Chandra Sekhar Chevuturu, HOD- Vascular and Endovascular Surgery, Arete Hospitals, Hyderabad, who listed signs that you might have poor circulation.

Signs Of Poor Circulation In The Body

Cold feet and cool, shiny skin

poor-circulation-in-legs

Feet that feel persistently cold to the touch, not just on a chilly morning but even in warm rooms, can be a sign that arterial blood flow to the lower limbs is reduced. 

When arteries narrow due to plaque or spasm, the skin may appear pale, thin, or shiny, and may exhibit reduced hair growth; nails may grow slowly or become brittle. “These are classic features of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition that signals systemic atherosclerosis and elevated risk of heart attack and stroke,” said Dr Chevuturu. According to StatPearls, smokers face a risk of developing PAD that is four times greater than that of nonsmokers.

Also Read: Cold Hands, Hot Feet? What Temperature Imbalance Might Signal

Leg cramps: muscle strain or vascular claudication?

Not all leg cramps are the same. Common nocturnal cramps often arise from muscle fatigue or electrolyte imbalance and can be resolved with simple measures. In contrast, vascular claudication is a reproducible cramp, ache, or heaviness that begins during exertion (often walking) and eases quickly with rest. Claudication reflects transient muscle ischaemia and should prompt an arterial evaluation. Distinguishing the two matters because claudication has implications beyond the legs, it is a red flag for cardiovascular disease.

Swelling, discolouration and stasis changes- Venous Disease

Chronic-Venous-Insufficiency

Vein problems present differently. Chronic Venous Insufficiency (CVI), which is usually the result of faulty venous valves or before Deep-Vein Thrombosis (DVT), leads to blood pooling in the lower legs. Early signs include leg heaviness, aching after standing, varicose veins, and swelling in the ankles.

Over time, the skin over the lower shin may darken (haemosiderin staining), become thickened and itchy, and develop stasis dermatitis or venous ulcers that are slow to heal. These skin changes point to long-standing venous dysfunction that benefits from specialist input. According to a 2024 study, if not treated, CVI often worsens over time, resulting in postphlebitic syndrome and venous ulcers. The disability caused by this disease can significantly reduce quality of life and hinder work productivity.

When a Clot is the Culprit

Sudden unilateral swelling, pain, warmth, and redness in a calf raise concern for DVT, a blood clot in a deep vein. DVT requires prompt medical assessment because fragments can break off and travel to the lungs, causing pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening emergency. A history of recent immobility, surgery, cancer, or certain medications increases clot risk.

Also Read: How Blood Circulation Affects Skin Health: Expert Insights On Causes, Disorders, And Prevention

How Clinicians Investigate Circulation Problems

Evaluation begins with a focused history and examination, including:

  • Palpation of pulses
  • Skin inspection
  • Walking assessment

Simple, outpatient tests provide objective data, including:

  • Ankle-brachial index (ABI): Compares blood pressure in the ankle and arm to screen for PAD
  • Duplex ultrasound: Maps arterial and venous flow, and is the frontline imaging test for both PAD and venous disease

Blood tests assess:

  • Metabolic contributors (diabetes, lipids)
  • Markers of inflammation, when indicated

More advanced imaging or specialist referral follows based on initial findings.

Management and Prevention — Practical Steps That <atter

Treatment is tailored to the cause.

  • For PAD, supervised exercise programmes, smoking cessation, lipid and blood-pressure control, anti-platelet therapy, and, where needed, revascularisation form the therapeutic backbone.
  • For venous disease, leg elevation, compression therapy, and weight management reduce symptoms and lower ulcer risk; procedural options (sclerotherapy, endovenous ablation) address symptomatic varicose veins.
  • Suspected DVT is treated with anticoagulation under specialist oversight.
  • Across disorders, active lifestyle measures — regular walking, avoiding prolonged immobility, and stopping tobacco substantially reduce progression and complications.

Red Flags and When to Seek Help

“Urgent evaluation is essential for signs of DVT (sudden leg swelling with pain) or any symptoms suggesting pulmonary embolism (shortness of breath, chest pain, fainting). Progressive skin breakdown, non-healing ulcers, rest pain in the foot, or new neurologic symptoms also warrant rapid assessment by a clinician or vascular specialist,” warned Dr Chevuturu.

Bottomline

Dr Chevuturu concluded, “If you notice cold toes, consistent leg cramps during activity, or changes in skin color, act promptly; these may be early signs of vascular issues. Don’t wait or ignore symptoms. Early recognition and clinical assessment can preserve your limb and heart health. See a healthcare professional as soon as possible if you’re concerned.”

Read Next

Don’t Ignore Urinary Incontinence, Talk To Your Doctor: Know Why It Matters

Disclaimer

TAGS