Circulatory problems

Astrid Leitner studied veterinary medicine in Vienna. After ten years in veterinary practice and the birth of her daughter, she switched - more by chance - to medical journalism. It quickly became clear that her interest in medical topics and her love of writing were the perfect combination for her. Astrid Leitner lives with daughter, dog and cat in Vienna and Upper Austria.

More about the experts All content is checked by medical journalists.

Circulatory problems such as dizziness, palpitations and turning black in front of the eyes occur when the brain is no longer adequately supplied with oxygen. The cause is usually low blood pressure. Read here how you can get your circulation going again and how you can prevent vertigo attacks!

Brief overview

• Treatment: Lie down and raise your legs, drink in fluids, cold stimuli (put a cold washcloth on your neck, cold compresses), medication, home remedies, treatment of the underlying disease
• Causes: Low blood pressure is usually the cause of circulatory problems. The symptoms are rarely indicative of a serious illness.
• Symptoms: dizziness, racing heart, turning black in front of the eyes, ringing in the ears, rushing in the head
• Description: Circulatory problems arise when the brain is not adequately supplied with oxygen.
• When to the doctor Consult a doctor if you suffer from frequent circulatory problems or if the symptoms are very severe!
• Diagnostics: Typical symptoms, physical examination, Schellong test, blood test, EKG
• Prevention: drink enough, alternating showers, sauna, exercise

What to do with circulatory problems

How circulatory problems are treated depends on their cause. In most cases, circulatory problems are harmless and get better quickly. It is important to lie down quickly in the event of an impending circulatory collapse in order to avoid falls!

Immediate measures in case of circulatory weakness

Change of position: The symptoms usually improve quickly when the person concerned lies down and puts their legs up. If orthostatic hypotension (sharp drop in blood pressure after changing position from lying to standing) is the cause of the circulatory problems, it is helpful to first sit down from the lying position and only get up slowly after a short break.

Liquid: Drink about half a liter of water in five to ten minutes. In this way, the blood pressure can be stabilized for around an hour. A cup of coffee helps for a short time to stimulate the circulation.

Calf pump: move your legs as soon as you can stand securely again. This activates the calf muscles, which help pump blood back towards the heart.

Home remedies

Cold stimulus: place a cold washcloth on the side of your neck. The cold activates the blood pressure sensors in the carotid artery. In response, the blood vessels constrict and blood pressure rises.

Stimulating the circulation: Cold compresses or dipping your forearms in ice-cold water helps to stimulate the circulation again.

Salt: Table salt in food binds fluids in the body and increases blood pressure.

Medication

In some cases it is necessary to stabilize the circulation with medication. These so-called antihypotonic drugs are prescribed by the doctor and are only used for a short time and in particularly severe cases.

Herbal remedies for strengthening the circulatory system

Herbal remedies can help support the circulatory system. Hawthorn is said to strengthen the heart and regulate blood pressure. The active ingredients from camphor are said to promote blood circulation and, like menthol, stimulate the circulation.

Before you resort to herbal remedies for circulatory problems and dizziness, first have a doctor clarify the cause of your symptoms!

Treatment of the underlying disease

If the circulatory weakness is caused by a disease (e.g. a weak heart or a weak kidney), it must be treated accordingly. If the cause can be eliminated, the circulatory problems improve again.

How do circulatory problems occur?

Circulatory weakness can have different causes. It is usually the result of low blood pressure (hypotension). Circulatory problems are only a sign of a serious illness in rare cases.

weather

At very high temperatures, the body takes various measures to protect it from overheating. It releases the excess heat by dilating the blood vessels. Blood pressure drops and the heart pumps faster to supply all organs.

In addition, people sweat more in the heat. If the fluid loss is not made up, the blood becomes thick and does not circulate as well. This can lead to the fact that the brain does not receive enough oxygen. People who naturally have low blood pressure (e.g. children and slim women) are particularly at risk.

Strong fluctuations in temperature or air pressure also trigger circulatory problems in many people.

Dehydration

Dehydration is very often the cause of poor circulation. This is the case when those affected drink too little throughout the day or lose fluids due to vomiting or diarrhea.

The same applies after major blood losses such as injuries or major operations. If there is too little blood in the body, the blood pressure drops drastically, and circulatory problems or a circulatory collapse are possible consequences.

Permanently low blood pressure

Young, slim women are particularly affected. As a rule, the cause of the low blood pressure cannot be determined, otherwise the women are completely healthy. Doctors also speak of primary hypertension. The low blood pressure means that those affected tend to suffer from circulatory problems even in normal everyday situations.

Existing underlying disease

In rare cases the circulatory problems are the result of an existing illness. So it is possible that patients with heart failure are more prone to circulatory problems. The weakened heart is no longer able to pump enough blood to the body. The organs are poorly supplied with blood, the blood pressure drops. Cardiac arrhythmias and a heart attack can also cause circulatory problems.

If you suffer from a heart disease and have circulatory problems, it is essential to have a medical examination! If you suspect a heart attack, call the emergency doctor immediately!

The kidneys regulate the fluid balance in the body. If the kidneys are no longer working properly (as in kidney failure), blood pressure may drop and circulatory problems may occur.

Acute gastrointestinal diseases with persistent vomiting and severe diarrhea quickly lead to fluid loss. If the person concerned does not drink enough, there is also a lack of fluid in the blood. The blood pressure drops, circulatory problems arise.

In general, infections and inflammation often weaken the body and lead to circulatory problems. The same goes for poisoning.

Circulatory problems such as dizziness or tremors are signs of an impending low blood sugar level (hypoglycaemia) in diabetics.

Sometimes circulatory problems occur in connection with neurological diseases such as Parkinson's. Psychological causes are also possible with circulatory problems.

Rapid change of position (orthostatic hypotension)

Normally, different mechanisms ensure that all vital organs are supplied with sufficient blood at all times and in any position of the body.

In some people these mechanisms are disrupted. With them, the blood sinks temporarily in the legs when they bring the body from a lying position to an upright position (orthostasis), the blood pressure drops rapidly. The blood must first be pumped back towards the heart. Doctors refer to this phenomenon as "orthostatic hypotension". It is typical that symptoms such as dizziness, paleness, drowsiness and blurred vision improve immediately when the person concerned lies down again.

Medication

If the blood pressure is too high, patients are given antihypertensive drugs such as beta blockers. If dosed too high, they throttle the blood pressure in the vessels so much that circulatory problems arise.

Dehydrating drugs (diuretics) have a similar effect: They flush more fluid out of the body, which reduces the fluid content of the blood. The blood becomes thicker, the blood pressure drops.

Circulatory problems sometimes occur as a side effect of chemotherapy.

Talk to your doctor if you suspect that the drugs you are taking are causing the circulatory problems!

Hormonal imbalances

Sometimes circulatory problems related to hormonal disorders, such as an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), occur.

Hormone fluctuations

Puberty: During puberty, the body is in a hormonal state of emergency. In addition, there are often strong fluctuations in blood pressure. The reason for this is that the cardiovascular system lags a little behind physical growth, especially during strong growth spurts. In this phase it happens that adolescents repeatedly have circulatory problems. Mostly girls are affected. The circulatory problems are usually harmless and will go away on their own over time.

Period: During periods, the body loses blood and iron. This sometimes leads to circulatory problems, especially in young and petite women. In general, anemia often leads to circulatory problems.

Pregnancy: Expectant mothers often have to struggle with circulatory problems, especially in early pregnancy (1st trimester). The reason for this is the hormonal change. On the one hand, the blood vessels widen and, on the other hand, the body produces more female sex hormones (progesterone), which increases blood volume and heart rate. Both make you more prone to circulatory problems.

Towards the end of pregnancy (3rd trimester), dizziness returns in many pregnant women. The cause is then no longer the hormones, but the child itself. The bigger it gets, the more pressure the uterus exerts on the blood vessels. This results in the blood flow to the brain becoming obstructed. Spells of dizziness typically occur while lying down or sleeping on your back.

To avoid dizzy spells during pregnancy, we recommend sleeping on your side after the sixth month of pregnancy!

Breastfeeding: After giving birth, the hormone level changes again. The hormones, but also lack of sleep and stress, promote circulatory problems. Breastfeeding mothers in particular should also ensure that they drink enough!

Menopause: In some women, hormonal changes during menopause cause circulatory problems. The hormonal fluctuations during this time affect, among other things, the sense of balance in the ear. Affected women are prone to dizziness, vomiting and nausea.

allergy

Circulatory problems that occur after an insect bite, for example, are an alarm signal. Dizziness and nausea are the first signs of an impending allergic shock.

Circulatory problems after eating

Heavy, greasy food is easy on the digestive system. When the intestine has a lot to digest, there is more blood supply to it. During this time, other organs such as the brain are not supplied with enough oxygen.

Circulatory problems in the morning

Morning circulatory problems are common and usually have no disease value. Blood pressure is subject to daily fluctuations, doctors speak of a circadian rhythm. At night, blood pressure drops by an average of ten percent, which is significantly lower than during the day. It reaches its normal daily value around eight or nine in the morning.Anyone who sweats heavily at night runs the risk of having circulatory problems when getting up.

Other causes

Muscle tension in the neck causes circulatory problems in some people. In addition to the attacks of dizziness, those affected typically often feel a tingling sensation in their arms and legs.

After an operation under general anesthesia, circulatory problems occur in some cases. The after-effects of the anesthesia are usually harmless and go away by themselves after a few days. The same applies to symptoms that occur shortly after a vaccination. Very rarely is it an allergic reaction to the anesthetic drug or vaccine.

What are the symptoms of circulatory problems?

If the brain is no longer adequately supplied with oxygen, the typical circulatory problems occur.

Symptoms of poor circulation

• dizziness
• paleness
• Sweating
• Tremble
• nausea
• Racing heart
• Turning black before the eyes
• tinnitus
• Noise in the head
• fatigue
• Heaviness in shoulders and legs
• headache

With acute circulatory problems there is a risk of falling! Lie down quickly and put your feet up! So the cycle gets going again. If the symptoms persist or if they get worse, call a doctor!

Circulatory collapse

If the circulation collapses, those affected faint. Doctors also speak of vasovagal syncope. This is a reflex that temporarily causes a sharp drop in blood pressure and slows the heartbeat. As a rule, such a collapse is harmless and only lasts for a short time.

Triggers are often standing for a long time, pressing hard when defecating, and severe pain. Stress and excitement also cause some people to faint. In other people, seeing blood alone triggers the reflex.

In older people and people with an underlying disease (especially heart disease), fainting (syncope) should always be clarified by a doctor. This is especially true if the fainting spells happen more frequently.

What are circulatory problems?

Circulatory problems arise when the brain is no longer adequately supplied with oxygen. Typical symptoms are dizziness, racing heart and turning black in front of the eyes. In most cases, this is caused by a blood pressure that is too low, and it is only rarely that a serious illness is concealed behind it.

How does the cycle work?

The blood circulation (circulation) continuously ensures that the entire organism is supplied with sufficient blood at all times. Arteries carry the oxygen-rich blood from the heart to all organs and tissues. The veins carry the deoxygenated blood back to the heart so that it is then oxygenated in the lungs.

So that all vital organs including the brain are always adequately supplied with blood, there is a certain minimum pressure in the arteries and their branches. The pressure is regulated by small pressure measuring bodies in the carotid arteries. They transmit signals to the circulatory center in the brain stem. In the case of high blood pressure, this gives the command to dilate the blood vessels and, in the case of low blood pressure, to narrow the blood vessels. When blood pressure falls, the kidneys also trigger an increase in blood pressure via the hormone renin.

When to the doctor

Circulatory problems that only occur occasionally are usually harmless. In the case of recurring or severe symptoms (circulatory collapse), it is advisable to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

The same applies to people who suffer from cardiovascular diseases or other underlying diseases: In the case of frequent circulatory problems, it may be necessary to adjust the drug dose. An example of this are antihypertensive agents (such as beta blockers): if dosed too high, the blood pressure drops so much that it can lead to circulatory problems.

If further serious complaints arise, the emergency doctor must be called immediately. This applies, for example, to paralysis, shortness of breath or severe chest pain.

What does the doctor?

The first point of contact for circulatory problems is the family doctor, or alternatively the gynecologist for pregnant women.

Medical history (anamnesis)

In the initial consultation, the doctor first asks about the current symptoms and how long they have existed. It is particularly important for him to know the context in which the circulatory problems occurred - for example, when it is very hot or when getting up. In addition, the doctor asks whether there are other diseases such as heart failure or diabetes mellitus and which medications the patient is taking. From the patient's medical history and the information provided by the patient, the doctor can get an initial idea of ​​the possible causes.

Physical examination

This is followed by a physical exam. The focus is on the cardiovascular system, the most common cause of circulatory problems. To do this, the doctor measures your pulse and blood pressure. Both values ​​are only of limited significance when measured once in the doctor's office.

The reason for this is that patients are usually a little excited during the examination, which automatically increases the pulse and blood pressure. In addition, pulse and blood pressure are subject to daily fluctuations.

To determine the patient's average blood pressure, the doctor takes a 24-hour blood pressure measurement (long-term blood pressure measurement). For this, the patient receives a special measuring device, which consists of a cuff on the upper arm and a small recording device on the belt. The device measures and records the blood pressure every 15 to 30 minutes. Alternatively, the patient measures the blood pressure himself several times a day with a mobile measuring device and writes it down, but this is far less meaningful.

Schellong test

With the help of a simple test, the doctor checks whether the cause of the circulatory problems is an orthostatic disorder, i.e. whether the blood suddenly sinks into the legs when you change position. To do this, the doctor measures heart rate and blood pressure first while lying down, then immediately after getting up and then during physical exertion (for example after 15 squats).

Further investigations

If an organic disease is suspected, further examinations will follow. These are, for example, a blood test or an electrocardiogram (EKG). The doctor may refer the patient to an internist or cardiologist for further clarification.

Prevent

The main cause of circulatory problems is usually low blood pressure. These tips will help get your circulation going again and prevent circulatory problems.

Tips to permanently stimulate the circulation and prevent circulatory problems

Alternating showers: With hot and cold alternating showers, the circulation can be stimulated quickly, it stabilizes after just a few days. To do this, first run warm water over the skin so that the blood vessels expand. Then take a cold shower, and the vessels contract again. Regular repetitions are important, preferably daily.

Sauna: Sauna sessions work according to the same principle, followed by cooling in the cold water basin. Doctors recommend one to two saunas per week for the best results.

Alternating showers and saunas are not suitable for patients with certain heart diseases. Ask your cardiologist beforehand which measures are suitable for you!

Brush massages: Regular brush massages get the circulation going. To do this, stroke the skin with a soft brush for a few minutes. Start at your feet and always brush towards your heart. Brushing releases substances that stimulate the cardiovascular system. The massage also improves blood flow to the skin and the return flow of blood to the heart.

Exercise: Regular exercise is fundamentally important for mental and physical health. Endurance sports are particularly suitable for circulatory problems. Examples are hiking, swimming or cycling. Doctors recommend 30 minutes a day - several times a week.

It is particularly important to train the calf muscles in a targeted manner. The muscles serve as a "pump" that facilitates the return of the blood to the heart. To do this, stand with the balls of your feet on a step or a small stool with your heels in the air. Now lower your heels so that there is tension in the calves. Keep short. Do as many reps as you can.

Drink enough: Those who drink enough throughout the day keep their blood pressure stable. Water or unsweetened tea are best for this. Drink about 1.2 to 2 liters per day, more on hot summer days or during physical exertion. It is best to avoid alcohol.

Some kidney or heart patients need to be very careful about how much they drink. If you have kidney disease or heart failure, ask your doctor about the optimal amount to drink!

Avoid Abundant Food: Heavy, high-fat meals are a challenge for the digestive system. If the intestine has a lot to digest, it has to be supplied with more blood and the brain is no longer adequately supplied with oxygen. Therefore, eat smaller portions several times a day and make sure you eat lightly, especially on hot summer days.

Tags:  news prevention gpp