Peripheral circulatory disorders: most effective dietary supplements

Peripheral circulatory disorders encompass a group of conditions characterized by a reduction in blood flow in peripheral arteries and veins. This results in insufficient delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the affected tissues. Peripheral arterial disease, which primarily affects the arteries of the lower limbs, and chronic venous diseases, such as varicose veins and venous insufficiency, are the most common forms.

Classification

Peripheral circulatory disorders are divided into two main categories:nn• Peripheral arterial disorders: These conditions mainly involve narrowing or occlusion of the arteries of the lower limbs, often due to atherosclerosis. This leads to reduced blood flow to the tissues.nn• Peripheral venous disorders: These conditions include varicose veins, chronic venous insufficiency, and deep vein thrombosis. They are characterized by blood stagnation in the veins, causing symptoms such as edema and, in severe cases, venous ulcers.

Peripheral arterial disorders

Atherosclerosis is the main cause of peripheral arterial disorders. This process begins with injury to the arterial endothelium, followed by lipid accumulation and local inflammation. This leads to the formation of atheromatous plaques that reduce the vessel diameter. This narrowing compromises the supply of oxygen to tissues, particularly during physical exertion.

Peripheral venous disorders

Peripheral venous disorders mainly result from failure of the venous valves, which are responsible for preventing reflux and blood stagnation. This stagnation causes elevated venous pressure, which disrupts microcirculation. In severe cases, this can lead to complications such as venous ulcers. Hemodynamic and inflammatory mechanisms often worsen the symptoms.

Symptoms

Peripheral circulatory disorders present distinct manifestations depending on whether they affect the arteries or the veins:nn• Peripheral arterial disorders: Symptoms include intermittent claudication (muscle pain during exertion that resolves at rest), numbness, coldness of the limbs, and wounds or ulcers that heal poorly.nn• Peripheral venous disorders: They manifest as a feeling of heavy legs, swelling, varicose veins, nighttime cramps, and, in advanced cases, venous ulcers.

Treatment

Management of peripheral circulatory disorders relies on a multimodal approach that combines lifestyle and dietary changes, pharmacological treatments, and surgical interventions in advanced cases.nn• Lifestyle and dietary measures: Smoking cessation and regular, appropriate physical activity are essential measures to improve blood circulation and prevent disease progression. A balanced diet also helps reduce risk factors.nn• Medications: Antiplatelet and anticoagulant drugs are often prescribed to prevent clot formation and improve blood fluidity. For venous disorders, venotonics may be used to relieve symptoms.nn• Medical and surgical interventions: In cases of severe arterial stenosis, revascularization techniques, such as angioplasty or arterial bypass grafting, may be necessary. For venous disorders, elastic compression with compression stockings is a basic therapy. Interventions such as sclerotherapy or venous surgery may also be indicated to treat varicose veins and prevent complications.nn