Circulatory disorders

Chronic circulatory disorders

Chronic circulatory disorders can occur when a vessel is constricted or blocked. Especially the elderly suffer from chronic circulatory disorders, as the vessels lose their elasticity with age.

Unrestricted circulation is important because the tissues and organs are supplied with oxygen and nutrients by the blood. If the blood flow is obstructed, then the underlying tissue is no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen. The condition of reduced blood flow or complete perfusion of tissues or organs is called ischemia. While the brain can survive only a few minutes without oxygen, the kidneys and liver can survive for just a few hours. The dormant (ie artificially shut down, for example, during cardiac surgery) survives the lack of oxygen even over a period of several hours. However, ischemia can lead to the death of cells in case of persistent deficiency and, for example, cause a life-threatening myocardial infarction or renal infarction.

contents

• Chronic circulatory disorders
• definition
• Symptom chronic circulatory disorders
• Circulatory disorders of the arms, legs and fingers
• Circulatory disorders of the organs
• risk factors
• diagnosis
• treatment options
• Naturopathy in circulatory disorders

definition

If the blood flow in a region of the vascular system is restricted or blocked, the person suffering from circulatory disorders. These can develop acutely (suddenly) or develop chronically (very slowly). Circulatory disorders can occur anywhere in the body. Often it comes mainly in the legs, more rarely in the arms or organs to chronic circulatory disorders. Men are affected more frequently than women.

Circulatory disorders often show up in the extremities. (Image: Jerzy Sawluk)

Chronic circulatory disorders can be based on numerous causes. Frequently, progressive atherosclerosis (arteriosclerosis) is the cause of the symptoms. Vascular occlusions (embolism), vascular inflammation (vasculitis), formation of blood clots in the artery, low blood pressure (arterial hypotension) and vascular spasms (muscle muscle spasms) may also cause circulatory disorders, among other causes.

Symptom chronic circulatory disorders

If circulatory disorders occur acutely, severe symptoms can develop within a few minutes. For example, if the extremities are affected by undersupply, the lack of oxygen can lead, inter alia, to loss of heart rate, pain, paleness, sensory loss and feelings of numbness, paralysis and shock. However, circulatory disorders usually develop slowly (chronically), so that no symptoms occur over a longer period of time. The symptoms often show up only when a serious illness already exists.

The main cause of chronic circulatory disorders is the colloquially termed "arteriosclerosis" arteriosclerosis. This leads to deposits on the insides of the vessels, which transport the blood away from the heart (arteries). By and by, the arterial diameter decreases in this way, until it finally comes to complete blockage of the affected area. It is believed that the smallest injuries to the inner wall of the vessel are responsible for the body's immune defenses and complicated biochemical processes. As a result, blood cells, connective tissue, blood lipids and lime are deposited as so-called plaques. Most of the deposits occur at sites of the vascular system, where the uniform flow of the blood is disturbed and branched vessels. Since the body is able to compensate for arteriosclerotic occlusions for a long time, the surrounding smaller blood vessels can first take on the function of the narrowed artery and form so-called bypasses. Only when the arteriosclerosis is already very advanced, occur in those affected complaints that indicate chronic circulatory disorders.

Another common cause of circulatory disorders are embolisms dar. This clogged with the blood washed material usually a tight vessel. The "stethoscope" may consist of a blood clot (thrombosis), fat drops, air bubbles or even parts of a tumor. Its place of origin can be far removed from the site of vascular obstruction.

Rarely, vascular inflammation is the cause of circulatory disorders. Autoimmunological processes usually lead to complaints in which the immune system is directed against one's own body.

Circulatory disorders of the arms, legs and fingers

Peripheral arterial disease (PAOD), sometimes referred to as chronic arterial occlusive disease (AVC), includes a condition in which sufferers suffer from chronic circulatory disorders in the extremities. Often the legs are affected. Symptoms that depend on the stage of the disease include severe pain, so sufferers often have to stop a few meters before they can move on. Colloquially, the disease is therefore also referred to as "intermittent claudication", as is mediated by the frequent pauses in the impression of a window shopping.

The cause of PAOD is a stenosis (narrowing) or occlusion (occlusion) of the arteries responsible for the care of the extremities. Even the main artery can - although rarely - be affected. PAD is usually preceded by arteriosclerosis, whose symptoms range from a lack of symptoms to mild walking difficulties to tissue necrosis requiring amputation.

While those affected initially have no complaints due to the vascular changes, they occur in the course of the disease, especially under stress such as walking and leave in peace again. If the occlusive disease progresses, the pain, which is sometimes severe, becomes noticeable even at rest, while lying down and elevating the legs. Many sufferers have less discomfort due to gravity due to the improved circulation. In the last stage of the disease, tissue damage already occurs, which can lead, for example, to the so-called smoker's leg.

Another condition that accompanies circulatory disorders is Raynaud's syndrome (Raynaud's disease). The vessels of the fingers or toes are cramped by external influences such as cold or stress. First, the affected areas appear white, then bluish and finally reddish, when they are again supplied with blood. Only rarely do the mostly female patients complain of pain. Circulatory disorders of the fingers can also give indications of other diseases such as autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks the body's own tissue.

The organs may be severely damaged by circulatory disorders. (Image: Sagittaria / fotolia.com)

Circulatory disorders of the organs

The organs can also be affected by chronic circulatory disorders. If the heart muscle is no longer adequately supplied with blood due to constricted coronary arteries (coronary arteries), there is coronary heart disease. Due to the resulting lack of oxygen sufferers also suffer from the feeling of "chest tightness" and chest pain (angina pectoris). Most pain disappears after a few minutes either alone or after taking a nitro-drug. However, if the pain persists, it may be an indication of a heart attack. Coronary heart disease is the number one cause of death in industrialized countries. If you suspect that myocardium is under-perfused or have any symptoms, consult a doctor immediately.

Also, the arteries of the intestine can be narrowed or closed, so that in a visceral arterial insufficiency can develop chronic circulatory disorders. Patients often complain of abdominal pain after eating. In addition, the symptoms lead to loss of appetite, so that patients lose weight quickly (angina intestinalis). Rarely can an acute occlusion result from a blood clot that is life-threatening. In addition to constipation, nausea, vomiting, and first signs of shock usually occur. In the further course, the symptoms often improve, but the general condition of the patient worsens until finally it comes to intestinal paralysis and peritonitis. The intestinal tissue dies.

risk factors

The risk factors for circulatory disorders include high blood pressure, obesity, diabetes mellitus (diabetes), lipid metabolism disorders or elevated blood lipid levels, smoking and lack of exercise. If there is no underlying disease, circulatory disorders are usually due to an unhealthy lifestyle. Therefore, it is not surprising that circulatory disorders are particularly prevalent in developed countries where both high fat diet and nicotine consumption are commonplace habits. In addition, if there is a lack of sporting activities, many suffer from the widespread disease.

To prevent circulatory disorders, advise physicians to abstain from nicotine and sufficient exercise. Likewise, a balanced, healthy diet, such as the Mediterranean diet, is recommended. Garlic, ginger, pomegranate and fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are considered circulation-enhancing foods.

diagnosis

An initial, preliminary diagnosis of chronic circulatory disorders is often possible as part of the first examination, since typical symptoms usually occur. The doctor first asks questions about the medical history as well as the appearance of the symptoms. Subsequently, various investigations on the position of a differentiated diagnosis come into question. Thus, a blood pressure measurement on both arms can indicate a vessel change, the values ​​should be significantly different. Furthermore, so-called provocation tests can be carried out in which the physician uses motion tests to test whether the circulatory disturbances can be caused by certain movements or strains. In this way, for example, statements can be made on the severity.

In Doppler sonography, which is also used for circulatory disorders of the extremities, the systolic blood pressure is measured on both ankles and upper arms after the patient has previously rested for 15 minutes. Based on the so-called ankle-arm index (Doppler index), the doctor can read whether there is a circulatory disorder. Similarly, the oscillography is used by means of pulse-volume curves for the diagnosis.

If it is already established that the treatment of circulatory disorders is performed by surgery, an angiogram can be performed, in which the affected arteries can be examined more closely. However, the examination may have side effects such as rebleeding. In addition, further investigations may be necessary.

treatment options

In principle, circulatory disorders should be examined by a doctor. In the case of an acute vascular occlusion, action must be taken immediately, since the life of the patient may be threatened, as in the case of a heart attack.

In circulatory disorders, the therapy is dependent on the cause mostly with medication. So-called platelet aggregation inhibitors improve the fluidity of the blood. Prostaglandins, which have a vasodilator effect, can also help with blood circulation. In addition, medications can be used to dissolve relatively fresh clots. Last but not least, analgesics for people with circulatory disorders may also be necessary.

In some cases, surgery is inevitable, for example if parts of the intestine have already died in a closure of the intestinal arteries. The easier procedures, which are usually performed under local anesthesia, include the surgical removal of a blood smoker. It may also be necessary to remove the debris from a clogged vessel or "bypass" it during surgery. In severe circulatory disorders of the arms and legs may be necessary amputation, such as the smoker's leg.

Alternate baths are a proven home remedy for circulatory disorders. (Image: britta60 / fotolia.com)

Naturopathy in circulatory disorders

Frequently, disorders of the blood circulation can also be treated in addition with measures to stimulate the blood circulation. Among others, exercise therapy and Kneipp treatments, which are often very effective, are possible. Acupuncture may be suitable for pain relief. From the field of kneippschen hydrotherapy, for example, the Wechselarmbad has been proven. To do this, you will need two large bowls or tubs (or a two-piece sink), which you will fill once with at least 36 degrees warm and 18 degrees cold water. Now sit down and first hold your arms in the warm pool for five minutes, then ten seconds into the cold pool. Then repeat the procedure once. After use, the arms are stripped off and gently moved to reheat them.

In the initial phase of circulatory disorders homeopathy can be promising. Depending on the condition, abrotanum, (barberry), tabacum (tobacco), Espeletia grandiflora, Secale cornutum (ergot) and creosote (beech wood tar) are used. Herbal remedies with extracts of horse chestnut can also be very helpful in case of problems with the blood circulation. (Ag)
Specialist supervision: Barbara Schindewolf-Lensch (doctor)