Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Can Heart Disease Cause Cold Hands & Feet

The heart pumps blood throughout the arteries, veins and capillaries. This flow of blood is also what brings warmth to the body. Any problems in the cardiovascular system can cause disturbances in other parts of the anatomy. One of the symptoms of a heart problem can be cold hands and/or feet.


Circulation


It is actually poor circulation that will present as cold hand and feet. The heart pumps the oxygen and nutrients through the blood and keeps the circulatory system going.








Poor Circulation


Different types of heart disease can cause cold hands and feet. A heart attack, blocked arteries, an aneurism and atherosclerosis are some of the cardiac problems that impair circulation.


Exercise


Lack of exercise can affect the heart and circulatory system. This lack of blood flow can present in cold hands and feet.


Considerations


Smoking--a leading cause of heart disease--also causes circulation problems and can worsen the condition of having cold hands and feet. Alcohol consumption will also worsen the problem.








Other Causes


Heart disease is not the only cause of cold hands and feet. Injury or trauma, iron deficiency, Raynaud's disease and thyroid conditions are some of the other causes of cold hands and feet. Always have this symptom checked by a physician.

Tags: hands feet, cold hands, cold hands feet, cause cold, cause cold hands, circulatory system, feet heart