Pure blood containing oxygen and nutrients from our heart reaches the muscles and fingers of our legs through the arteries. But when these blood vessels become blocked or narrowed, the blood flow to the legs decreases significantly. In medicine, this is called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind reduced blood flow in the legs:
Atherosclerosis (fat accumulation): This is the most important cause of reduced blood flow in the legs. Over time, cholesterol and fat (plaque) accumulate on the inner walls of the blood vessels and the path through which blood flows becomes narrow. Due to this, the muscles do not get enough oxygen and severe pain occurs while walking.
Smoking: Smokers are 4 times more likely to develop this disease. Nicotine in cigarettes not only narrows blood vessels quickly, but also damages the walls of blood vessels and causes fat to accumulate there quickly.
Uncontrolled diabetes: Prolonged high blood sugar levels can damage both large blood vessels and small capillaries in the legs. This not only reduces blood flow, but can also cause small wounds on the legs to not heal and turn into large ulcers (Diabetic Foot Ulcer).
High blood pressure and cholesterol: High blood pressure (Hypertension) causes blood vessels to lose their elasticity and thicken. And when LDL, the bad cholesterol, increases in the blood, it can form blocks in the blood vessels and completely block blood flow.
Aging and lack of exercise: This condition is usually more common in people over 50 years of age. Blood vessels naturally thicken as we age. Additionally, people who lead a sedentary lifestyle will experience slow blood circulation due to the lack of pumping action of the leg muscles.