Poor circulation is caused by various underlying conditions that affect blood flow through the arteries, veins, or lymphatic system. The main causes include:

• Atherosclerosis: Hardening and narrowing of arteries due to plaque buildup restricts blood flow, commonly affecting arteries in the legs, arms, heart, and brain

• Obesity: Excess weight increases pressure on blood vessels, promotes fatty deposits in arteries, causes inflammation, and raises the risk of diabetes and heart disease, all contributing to poor circulation

• Diabetes: High blood sugar damages blood vessels and nerves, impairing circulation and increasing risk of complications like peripheral artery disease

• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): A form of atherosclerosis that specifically narrows arteries supplying blood to the legs and feet, reducing blood flow

• Blood clots: Clots in veins or arteries can block blood flow, such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the legs or clots causing pulmonary embolism

• High blood pressure: Weakens blood vessel walls and restricts blood flow

• Varicose veins: Damaged vein walls and valves disrupt blood return to the heart, causing pooling and poor circulation

• Raynaud’s phenomenon: Causes blood vessels to narrow excessively, restricting blood flow to extremities

• Smoking: Narrows blood vessels and increases plaque buildup, worsening circulation and raising risk of heart disease and stroke

Other contributing factors include aging, sedentary lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and environmental factors like cold exposure

. In summary, poor circulation results from conditions that narrow, block, or weaken blood vessels, impairing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to tissues, especially in the extremities such as hands and feet