Cold or icy feet and hands can be a sign of poor blood circulation, when blood has difficulty passing through veins and arteries, but also when a person is exposed to the cold for a long time.
Babies also tend to have cold extremities and this, in most cases, is not related to any vascular or heart disease.
One can suspect heart problems when the person has, in addition to cold feet and hands most of the time, other symptoms such as swelling in the legs and feet or feeling faint, for example.
Main causes of cold feet and hands
Cold or icy hands and feet can be a consequence of the person's low sensitivity to lower temperatures, causing the extremities to become colder and purplish, but they can also be a sign of problems related to blood circulation, such as:
- Heart diseases such as heart failure; Atherosclerosis; Arteritis, which is inflammation of the arteries of the head; Vasculitis, which is inflammation and alteration of the shape of blood vessels; Kidney problems; Excessive use of alcohol; Smoking; Thyroid diseases; iron in the body; Anxiety or stress.
If it is perceived that the hands or feet are cold even in hot environments, it is important to go to the doctor for tests to be done and, thus, it is possible to identify the cause and start treatment. It is usually indicative of cardiovascular problems when other symptoms appear, such as swelling in the legs, feet or hands or feeling faint, for example.
When to see a doctor
It is important to go to the general practitioner or cardiologist when, in addition to cold hands and feet, the person has other symptoms, such as:
- Very white fingertips, known in some places as "chilblains"; Purplish nails; Swelling of the legs and feet; Tingling sensation in the extremities of the body; Pain in the calves when walking; Feeling faint; Increased heartbeat; Frequent tiredness.
Thus, it is important that the medical examination is carried out and that the symptoms presented are reported, when they started, if there is someone in the family with heart disease, for example, and if the symptoms become more evident at some time of the day, such as after meals, when getting up in the morning or after making efforts.
After the physical evaluation, the doctor may order some tests, such as blood count, urine test and others specific to the heart, such as electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, depending on the person's age and life history.
How to treat poor circulation
Treatment for poor blood circulation may include the use of medicines to improve circulation, diuretics, a special diet guided by a nutritionist and also some exercises to strengthen muscles and activate circulation.
It is recommended to drink plenty of water every day, to hydrate the body and release accumulated toxins, in addition to walking at least 30 minutes every day to stimulate blood circulation. Check out some treatment options for poor circulation.
