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Does Excessive Smoking Cause Narrowing Of The Blood Vessels?
Question: Hi, I seem to have bad blood circulation in my extremities witch has been an issue for years now. I used to smoke a pack a day but six months ago I swapped them for an electronic ciggrette although I do still smoke ciggrettes when I'm out for a drink once a week. I don't exercise regularly and I could do better on my diet. Is this an issue caused by my lifestyle choices or is there bigger issue to worry about? Attached is a photo of my hands, I've pressed on my hand with my thumb to show bad circlation. Also my hands seem to go purple when cold and after some light lifting at work they get hotter and redder.
Brief Answer:
Yes you do have a circulatory problem.
Detailed Answer:
Hi welcome to Health care magic,
I have seen the picture.
Yes you do have a circulatory problem.
Your previous smoking may have caused this. Please get a peripheral arterial color doppler test done to rule out narrowing of arteries.
Yes you should improve your diet--take more fruits and vegetables, and exercise definitely will help.
But first get the doppler done. You may need drugs to dilate/open up your arteries.
You can revert back.
Regards
Yes you do have a circulatory problem.
Detailed Answer:
Hi welcome to Health care magic,
I have seen the picture.
Yes you do have a circulatory problem.
Your previous smoking may have caused this. Please get a peripheral arterial color doppler test done to rule out narrowing of arteries.
Yes you should improve your diet--take more fruits and vegetables, and exercise definitely will help.
But first get the doppler done. You may need drugs to dilate/open up your arteries.
You can revert back.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
I've had this issue as a teenager so smokeing may not have caused it although seems to have worsened it.
I also have varacose vains on my leg, could this spread or even go away?
if it's not narrowing of veins how eles could I improve on my circulation?
I also have varacose vains on my leg, could this spread or even go away?
if it's not narrowing of veins how eles could I improve on my circulation?
Brief Answer:
you've had it since you were a teenager, then it is not only smoking.
Detailed Answer:
Ok if you've had it since you were a teenager, then it is not only smoking. But your problem is not due to varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a venous problem. This is arterial.
I would still like you to do a peripheral doppler.
You can improve circulation by improving muscle strength through exercises--weights and walking. It will improve both arterial and venous flow.
There are medications too which your doctor can prescribe.
Regards
you've had it since you were a teenager, then it is not only smoking.
Detailed Answer:
Ok if you've had it since you were a teenager, then it is not only smoking. But your problem is not due to varicose veins.
Varicose veins are a venous problem. This is arterial.
I would still like you to do a peripheral doppler.
You can improve circulation by improving muscle strength through exercises--weights and walking. It will improve both arterial and venous flow.
There are medications too which your doctor can prescribe.
Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
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