• Common causes of poor circulation
• Symptoms of poor circulation
• What to do if you have poor circulation

Poor circulation happens when the flow of blood to some areas of the body is restricted. These areas often include the extremities (arms and legs), but the brain and the heart can also be seriously affected by poor circulation, particularly if it is left untreated. In this article we will discuss some of the symptoms of poor circulation, and how do deal with them.
Bad circulation is often the result of peripheral artery disease or peripheral vascular disease. Peripheral artery disease and peripheral vascular disease are both serious conditions and require treatment in order to improve the condition and in order to deal with the symptoms.

Peripheral vascular disease is the result of narrowing in blood vessels which lie outside the brain and heart, restricting blood flow. Peripheral artery disease occurs when fatty deposits form on the inside of arterial walls, reducing and sometimes blocking blood flow.

Symptoms of Poor Circulation

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

• Calf muscles cramping (including whilst asleep)
• Cold feet and/or hands
• Aching, swollen and tired feet
• Cramping in the feet, legs and buttocks that occurs whilst active and improves with rest
• Varicose veins
• Hands and feet “fall asleep”
• Skin becomes discolored i.e. red, blue or pale
• Infections may be slow to heal or may not heal at all

If you suspect that you have poor circulation, you should see your doctor straight away. He or she will be able to run comprehensive tests that might include a physical exam, MRI, or X-ray, to identify any of the conditions that are associated with, or might cause poor circulation. Once the doctor has made a diagnosis, he will then outline your options as to how to deal with the problem. If you do not see your doctor or health care professional, and the causes of poor circulation are left untreated, the result can be more serious complications such as stroke, heart attack, blood clots and dementia.

Here are some conditions that might lead to poor circulation:

• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• High cholesterol

Understanding the symptoms of poor circulation and identifying them is a good first step before you talk over any problems with your doctor who will be able to give you the best advice on how to treat the condition. Treatment options are often related to lifestyle and might include quitting smoking, a program of regular exercise and better diet and nutrition (in particular to lower cholesterol and blood pressure). A doctor may also advise a patient with poor circulation not to sit for long periods without moving, and also to keep their hands and feet warm.

The best way for diabetics to fix circulation problems is for them to keep their blood sugar within the normal range. People who suffer from high cholesterol and high blood pressure may also benefit from medication which assists with improved blood flow.

Everyone should have an understanding of the dangers and symptoms associated with poor circulation. If you think you are suffering from any symptoms of poor circulation, seek immediate medical attention. Poor circulation is very often treatable, improving quality of life.

• You can improve your circulation rate by giving up cigarettes and abandoning that sedentary lifestyle
• Improving circulation can involve eating healthier fats, adding herbal supplements to your diet, and making sure you drink enough water
• Vitamin E, hydrotherapy, and stress relief are some other important answers to hw to improve circulation

Our circulation is something many of us take for granted but poor circulation can lead to serious health problems, including poor healing, low energy levels, and more. Below are ten ways you can start improving circulation in your body.

10. Stop Smoking

By now, most of us know that smoking is a bad habit that can do major damage to our bodies. However, you may not have known that nicotine (the addictive chemical in cigarettes) is the main cause of circulation troubles in adults. The best way to improve yours then is to give up this bad habit for good.

9. Reduce Stress

Stress, like smoking, can cause many health problems. Research has also shown a correlation between high levels of stress and poor circulation. Deep breathing, mindful meditation, yoga, and other stress reducing activities can help improve your mental and physical health.

8. Take Herbal Supplements

Many people swear by that herbal supplements, such as garlic and ginger, can improve circulation. Just be careful when taking garlic supplements because they act as natural blood thinners and can cause health problems when taken with prescription medications that do the same thing.

7. Lose Weight

The heavier you are the harder your heart has to pump to circulate the blood through your body. Over time, your heart is going to stop being able to meet those demands so circulation is going to diminish. By losing weight, you can make your heart’s job easier and can make blood flow through the circulatory system much easier.

6. Take Vitamin E

Research dating back as far as the 1970’s has found taking Vitamin E regularly is a good method of improving circulation. Part of the reason is Vitamin E prevents deposits from building up on the sides of the arteries. As a result, the arteries stay wide and blood can flow more freely.

5. Elevate Your Feet

If you wonder how to improve circulation after a hard day at work, come home and spend some time with your feet up, literally. Make sure your feet are elevated so they are higher than your head. Some people prefer adding pillows under their feet while they sleep to accomplish this as well.

4. Eat Enough Healthy Fats

While not eating too much saturated fat is a good way to keep your circulation rate at a healthy level, you don’t want to forget the importance of adding plenty of healthy fats to your diet. Food choices like olive oil, sunflower seeds, avocados, and fish (very high in omega-3 fatty acids) are excellent choices for keeping the blood moving smoothly.

3. Stay Hydrated

Another answer to how to improve circulation is by drinking plenty of water. Your blood is primarily made of water so if your body doesn’t have enough your circulatory system is going to be in trouble. Remember that water is always a better choice than other types of beverages. Alcohol, caffeine, and sugar are going to reduce your hydration – not help it.

2. Enjoy Hydrotherapy

Hydrotherapy is a fancy way of saying that a warm bath or shower is going to do great things for your circulation rate. The warmth helps your blood move smoother and faster through your body, plus it’s a great relaxer which helps reduce stress.

1. Keep Moving

The most important way to improve your circulation, however, is to keep your body moving. Exercising at least 30 minutes a day is part of this formula but that’s not all. You should take a short break every hour or two that you are sedentary and give your limbs some exercise to get the blood flowing again. It only takes a few seconds but your body will thank you.

• Sugar beet extract helps reduce the acidity level of the blood and removes impurities to improve blood circulation
• Sugar beets may also be useful at reducing the risk of heart disease
• Research also suggests that sugar beet extract could be useful against cancer

The sugar beet is probably not the most glamorous vegetable, despite its colorful appearance. While not everyone loves the taste, many people have discovered the health benefits of sugar beet extract. Increasing your intake of beets or of their extract can actually help improve blood circulation and that’s good for many reasons.

Sugar Beet Basics

The first sugar beet ever recorded may have been found in 4,000 year old art from Egypt. While the Egyptians may have consumed sugar beets, they probably did not use them for sugar the way modern production does. That’s because those uses did not become common until the 18th century. Beets were cultivated and grown throughout Europe even during the time of Napoleon, and the first beet farms were started in the United States in the 19th century. Today, the U. S. produced almost one-third of all the sugar beets in the world.

Improve Blood Circulation with Beets

Research has shown many health benefits for beets. However, one of the most significant is to improve blood circulation. The beet has the power to lower the acidity level in the blood which is important for health, plus it helps get rid of impurities in the blood so it can flow more easily through the arteries and deliver only oxygen and nutrients to the cells. For women of reproductive age, beets can be an important food around the time of menstruation because it can help protect them from anemia.

Good circulation is an important part of your health, and one that often does not get enough attention. All of your organs depend on the blood to bring them what they need to keep functioning effectively. If the blood cannot get their easily, you can end up with organ problems. If enough blood does not reach your brain, for example, brain cells can end up dying from a lack of oxygen and you could suffer permanent neurological damage. Additionally, blood circulation is critical to healing.

Other Health Benefits

Studies on the additional health benefits of beets have been pervasive. One of the most recent has been on the connection between high levels of betaine, a compound found in beets, and a reduced level of inflammation markers which are related to serious health problems, including heart disease. People who consumed significant amounts of betaine had a reduction in these markers of between 10 and 19%. While the specific connection between those markers and the diseases is not clear, some researchers believe a decline in the inflammation may also translate into a reduced risk of developing the disease itself.

Beets are also a good source of many nutrients, including folic acid. One cup of beets contain about one-third of all the folic acid you need in a day. The good thing about folic acid is that it can help reduce heart disease risks and can lower the chances of birth defects in children.

Early animal studies have also shown a potential connection between beets and cancer reduction. For example, one group of animals tested who were fed sugar beet extract actually had an increase n the number of special immune system cells whose purpose is to eliminate abnormal cells, including cancerous ones, form the body. Another study found that sugar beet extract could inhibit the mutations of cells caused by nitrates.

• Clogged arteries can cause numerous health problems. If you want to avoid surgery to clear them, it’s best to be proactive
• Symptoms of blocked arteries include: trouble breathing, chest pain and pain the legs and arms
• Artery plaque builds up over time. It happens when the inner walls of the artery hardens
• To help the body repair itself: quit smoking, lower your blood pressure, exercise regularly, control blood sugar and lower LDL cholesterol

Clogged arteries can cause numerous health problems, many of which may be severe enough to require surgery. If you wish to avoid surgery to clear arteries you need to be proactive to stop arteries blood pressure from climbing. Before you can do that, however, you need to understand what clogs are and how plaque develops. Symptoms of blocked arteries include trouble breathing, chest pain, and pain in the legs and the arms. Without cholesterol arteries treatment of some form, these problems can escalate into heart attacks and strokes.

Clogs are areas on the walls of the arteries that start off small and build over time. These clogs are made of plaque that doctors believe are formed by free radical damage and too much cholesterol in the arteries. Hypertension, smoking, carbon monoxide, saturated and hydrogenated fats, vitamin deficiencies, and mineral deficiencies are all ways arteries and blood pressure can be affected. The more these items build up on the inner wall of the artery, the more the artery hardens. Cholesterol arteries will then develop micro injuries such as nicks and cracks, and our bodies will try to repair this damage. The more patches that are made to the artery, the less the blood with flow until the artery is completely blocked.

Blockages develop over many years and arteries treatments should include the reduction to free radical exposure. This can be done by adding antioxidants into the body to prevent damage and help break down the clogs that have formed. You can add antioxidants into your body by taking vitamins and supplements as well as eating foods that are rich in them as well. As it takes years for clogs and plaque to form, it will take time to repair and rejuvenate the arteries. You need to carefully balance your nutritional formula in order to help dissolve the blockages while feeding the arteries and the surrounding tissues. Vitamins to include: A; B1; Niacin; Pantothenic acid; B6; Choline; Inositol; C; E; Calcium; Magnesium; Potassium; Chromium; and Iodine. Vitamin D, folic acid, manganese, selenium, betaine hydrochloride, and L-cysteine hydrochloride help the other vitamins work better.

Additionally, to help the body rejuvenate and repair itself, you should also do the following:

• Quit smoking as soon as possible. Women who smoke are two to six times more likely to suffer a heart attack due to blocked arteries than a non-smoking woman.
• Lower your blood pressure by following a strict diet as recommended by your doctor or taking medication as prescribed by your doctor.
• Exercise regularly and lose weight if you are overweight. 30 minute of moderate activity every day or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise every three days will help keep the heart pumping and the body fit.
• Control your blood sugar if you are a diabetic.
• Lower your LDL cholesterol level through medication or diet to reduce risk of heart disease.
• Keep triglycerides in check by avoiding fatty foods.
• Reduce your homocysteine levels by supplementing your diet with the appropriate minerals and vitamins.

• Our circulatory system is a crucial part of our health. Without it working well, there can be devestating effects including a negative affect on your mental health. Research shows there may be a link showing a poor circulation system could lead to Alzheimer’s disease
• A severely impaired circulatory system can also lead to paranoia, short term memory loss and confusion
• Research shows that the best way to improve poor circulation is eating right and exercising

Most of us know that our circulatory system is a crucial part of our physical health. Without it, oxygen-rich blood could not reach every part of our bodies. Problems with this system can have devastating effects on our body and our physical health. However, some of the consequences may be ones you wouldn’t normally think about, such as your mental health. Researchers are now showing a strong connection between them, and the evidence is just another reminder why eating right and exercising are the best things you can do for yourself.

Some Known Effects

Like every organ in our bodies, our brains need a steady supply of oxygen in order to function. In fact, it needs quite a bit of oxygen to keep it working well. After all, one-fifth of all the blood being pumped away from our heart ends up in the brain. When that blood flow through our circulatory system is constricted or reduced in any way, problems are likely to develop.

When blood circulation is reduced even by a little, you could suffer from reduced comprehension abilities and increased forgetfulness. Headaches and dizziness can also be associated with the problem. Unfortunately, if your circulatory system becomes severely impaired you could suffer more dire mental health consequences, including paranoia, short term memory loss and confusion. When blood flow to the brain is constricted for an extended period of time, the vessels in the brain may begin to get narrower and supply may be permanently reduced.

Blood Flow & Alzheimer’s Disease

While the above effects are bad enough, recent research now suggests that a link may exist between a poorly functioning circulatory system and Alzheimer’s disease, a degenerative condition that usually affects older individuals resulting in sporadic memory retrieval and severe confusion.

The cause of the disease had baffled researchers for years and finding the answer was difficult because getting a good view of the affected brain was only possible after the patient died. And that occurred after the disease had progressed quite severely in most cases. However, a study has found that part of the problem may be a biochemical process triggered by low amounts of glucose reaching the brain thanks to poor circulation.

As a result of this process, enzymes are created by the brain cells which disrupt the sending of messages. As the enzymes become more plentiful, the problem worsens until it becomes noticeable.

The research suggests that some drugs could be manufactured to stop the production of these enzymes but also that patients with an impaired circulatory system should take treatment of the problem seriously.

The Reverse

While poor circulation can affect mental health, mental health can also affect the flow of our blood according to other research released in April 2008. Patients who have problems coping with mental stress, according to the studies, suffer from reduced blood flow to the heart. Stress increases the need for this blood and the oxygen it contains but also narrows the channels by which it travels. This combination can be especially dangerous for patients with heart disease.

You can also try Ginger for circulation issues and Ginseng Power Max 4x to fight memory loss and boost energy.

• Clogged arteries are part of an impaired circulatory system and can be dangerous. However, it can be naturally unclogged
• Artery plaque is built up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, inflammatory cells, waste material, protein and fibrin floating around the body. The plaque hardens leading to an impaired circulatory sytem
• Before doing anything, you should consult your cardiologist. The best way to clear blocked arteries is to add systematic enzymes into your diet. This will improve circulation problems

If you have been diagnosed with clogged arteries, there are ways to unclog them naturally. Yes, surgery is available, but it is usually recommended in extreme cases. Before you can understand how to unclog arteries it helps to understand how they became clogged in the first place. Arteries become clogged when plaque builds up along the artery walls. Plaque is made up of cholesterol, fat, calcium, inflammatory cells, waste material, protein, and fibrin that are floating around the body. The plaque hardens over time and as it does, the inner wall of the artery narrows until it ultimately becomes clogged and blood can no longer circulate through it.

Unclogging arteries can take as long as it has taken to clog them. You may not even know that you are suffering from clogged arteries as there are no visible symptoms during the entire process. That is why it is usually found in older adults. You can be perfectly healthy and not even know that plaque build-up is occurring throughout the body, including the brain, lungs, arms, and legs.

So how to unclog arteries without surgery is the question and getting rid of the elements that cause plaque is the best place to start. Before you start on any unclogging arteries regimen you should consult your cardiologist. You may not be healthy enough to do this without a doctor’s supervision. The best and most natural way to clear arteries is by adding systemic enzymes into your diet. The systemic enzymes help support the other enzymes in the body, allowing them to function properly and work towards repairing the body.

Another method of how to unclog arteries includes supplementing your diet with vitamins, minerals and other supplements that can help break up the plaque and reduce any inflammation the plague has caused. Omega-3 oils that are found in fish and plants are one type of supplement that can be added to the diet to help work plaque free from artery walls. If you are on a low cholesterol diet, you can supplement your cooking oil with pumpkin seed oil which is low in carbohydrates and contains no trans fatty acids, gluten, or dairy. Additionally, the magnesium and potassium in the oil helps regulate blood pressure.

Foods that are high in the chemical compound sulforaphane glucosinolate – such as broccoli sprouts – help reduce high blood pressure risks, cardiovascular disease and stroke. If you cannot eat broccoli, you can buy this supplement in a pill form. One glass of pomegranate juice every day has also been found to help increase the blood flow in patients, lower cholesterol, and reduce the risk of blood clots. It provides more antioxidants than one cup of green tea and antioxidants have been found to help fight free radicals in the body which contribute to plaque build-up.

Other foods that are good at fighting and eliminating free radicals and that are good at unclogging arteries include garlic and cayenne peppers which contain capsicum.

• Research shows red wine health benefits for an impaired circulatory system. Compounds found in red wine could protect blood vessels and significantly reduce levels of free radicals to work to improve circulation problems
• Yet, drinking too much wine can have the opposite effect. A study published in 2008 found that more than one glass of alcohol could put people at risk for heart problems
• Moderation is key to experiencing the benefits of red wine for your health

The French Paradox has long puzzled medical researchers. Basically, this paradox is that despite consuming a high fat diet the French, overall, have a lower incident of heart disease than countries which consume less high fat foods. The problem is, of course, that science suggests the opposite should be true. Now some research is suggesting the answer to this paradox might be as simple as one phrase: red wine can be good for your health.

Red Wine & the Circulatory System

Research has shown that drinking red wine can have surprising benefits for the circulatory system. A 2006 study found that some of the compounds found in red wine, known as procyanidins, could protect blood vessels in the body from damage after only one or two glasses were consumed. However, the research also showed that this red wine positive effect varied depending on where the wine was made. Sardinian and southwest French wines seemed to have the highest levels of these important polyphenols (antioxidants derived from plant sources).

Just one year later, additional research on the antioxidant properties of red wines found more good news. The benefits of drinking red wine could be achieved without having to drink wine for years and did not only occur in older wine drinkers. The study included two groups of participants: 20 people who were 18 to 30 years of age and 20 individuals over the age of 50. Blood tests from both groups found increases in the levels of antioxidants in their bodies: 7% for the younger subjects and 16% for the older group. Plus, both groups showed significant reductions in their levels of free radicals.

Red Wine Warnings

Although the studies above suggest that drinking red wine can be a great way to improve the health of your circulatory system, drinking too much wine or any other alcoholic substance could have the opposite effect. A third study published in early 2008 found that while one glass of red wine or any other type of alcohol did have some potential benefit that drinking more than that actually could put people at risk for heart problems.

The study involved 13 participants who were randomly given either a glass of water, red wine, or ethanol equivalent to what one would find in beer. During this time, their blood pressure, heart rate, electrical impulses through the circulatory system, and the diameter of their blood vessels were being measured simultaneously. Each of the three sessions was repeated after two weeks.

After the first glass of alcohol, the blood vessels widened noticeably. Researchers suggest this could be a benefit because it would allow blood to flow more easily through the body. However, after subsequent drinks the heart beat increased and the nervous system went into high gear.

These researchers point out that drinking alcohol daily in even fairly small quantities could be damaging to the heart and circulatory system. For this reason, moderation is the key to experiencing the benefits of red wine for your health.

• Body detoxification is when the body uses its excretory system to rid of any additional waste and toxins in the body
• Benefits of body detoxification include: improving poor circulation, improving energy levels, reducing body’s water retaining ability, reducing premenstrual symptoms and creating clearer/healthier skin
• Advice to improve poor circulation: begin slowly, increase fluid intake, increase fiber intake and activity levels
• What to avoid during detox process: caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, saturated fat, sugar and foods that are difficult to digest

You may have already heard about detoxification in the media, in commercials, or on the Internet as a great solution for fixing whatever ails you. While body detoxification process is certainly not a magic cure-all, it can provide some solid benefits when it comes to the way you can improve poor circulation. Below is some helpful information about body detoxification that can help you get started on your own path to better inner cleansing.

What is Body Detoxification?

Detoxification is a method of using our body’s own excretory system to help us get rid of any additional waste and toxins that are in our bodies. Even though many of our organs, including the kidneys, were designed for the purpose of excreting these bad things from our systems, some believe that we are being exposed to so much that is harmful to our bodies that we need to take additional detoxification steps to make sure we are not poisoning our bodies and harming its ability to function correctly. For example, if these wastes build up they could end up causing us to need to improve circulation.

Reported Benefits of Detoxification

Besides being able to improve poor circulation, detoxification is supposed to be good for improving our energy levels which can be hampered by a build up of these waste products and toxins in our blood. Our body’s tendency to retain water can also be reduced through this process. Premenstrual symptoms can be reduced, our digestive system will work better, our skin will look clearer and healthier, and our minds will be more focused and fast thinking.

Whether you believe detoxification can do all of those things or not, remember that many of the touted improvements could be linked directly to any method to improve circulation.

Steps to Improve Circulation through Body Detoxification

If you’re going to start your own detoxification program, you want to begin slowly. First, increase your fluid intake. Fluids are essential because they are going to help you flush out these waste products and toxins from your body. How much water should you be drinking? You should slowly increase your intake to about two quarts per day. Remember that drinking actual water is always better than other types of drinks.

Also, you should start increasing your fiber intake. That means eat more vegetables and produce, as well as whole grain products. Obviously, fiber will also be important in flushing your body of waste. You should also be sure to increase your intake of lettuce and other greens because they can help in the removal of heavy metals from your body.

Make sure you also increase your activity levels. Exercise is a natural way to detoxify your body because many of the waste products can also be eliminated from the body through sweat. That means going to a sauna can also be beneficial to the process.

Things to Avoid During Detoxification Process

You should avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol because these are considered toxins to your body. There’s no point removing them from your system only to add them back in. Stay away from saturated fat, hard to digest foods, and sugar, as well.

• Blood is one of the most important parts of our bodies because it carries the oxygen and nutrients throughout. Impaired circulatory systems can cause a wealth of problems. Eating properly and exercising can improve poor circulation
• Foods to eat to prevent blocked arteries: oranges, melon, pumpkin seeds and any fish

One of the most important parts of our bodies is our blood. Blood carries the oxygen and nutrients the cells, muscles, and organs in the rest of our body need to function normally and to keep us healthy. However, if you have a problem with your body’s blood circulation this could cause a wealth of problems. That’s why it’s important to look for some good blood circulation diets that can help prevent these problems from occurring.

Foods to Eat for Better Blood Circulation

A number of foods have been suggested to have properties that would be improving circulation. Oranges are one of them. Besides being rich in Vitamin C, oranges contain bioflavonoids which can help improve the strength of your capillaries so blood can flow through them much easier. Another good example from the produce aisle is the watermelon. The melon has a high lycopene content, and lycopene has been shown to stop plague (caused by high levels of LDL cholesterol) from forming in the arteries. That build-up can narrow artery passages and reduce blood circulation. Garlic may have similar effects. Clots in your blood can also reduce your overall circulation and can be life-threatening if they become lodged in one of your arteries. Eating pumpkin seeds or any food high in Vitamin E can lessen the sticky factor of blood so clot formation is reduced.

If you want to add some protein to your good blood circulation diets, look no further than fatty fish. Any fish which is high in Omega-3 fatty acids can help improve your blood circulation while also boosting your immune system, reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease, and lowering your chances of getting some types of cancers. The best fish to eat are salmon, tuna, herring, and similar fatty fish. To get the most benefits, you should be eating fish at least twice a week. If you’re not a fish fan, these Omega-3 fatty acids can also be found in canola oil, some types of eggs, walnuts, and soy products.

Cholesterol & Blood Circulation

Because high levels of cholesterol are known to increase the build-up of plague in the arteries which can reduce your blood circulation capabilities, you should consider eating plenty of foods which will assist in lowering your overall cholesterol levels. Too of the best choices for this goal are plant stanols and soybeans. The former is found in vegetables and fruits but is now being added by food manufacturers to an assortment of other products, including yogurt and granola bars. The latter can be found in a variety of products. All you need is about one ounce of soybeans from soy cheese, soy milk, soy burgers, or other items to start decreasing your levels.

Herbal Supplements

None of the good blood circulation diets would be complete without also investigating some of the herbs you can add to your daily diet in order to improve the flow of blood through your body. Cayenne pepper, ginkgo biloba, and rosemary are all believed to have properties which can assist in blood circulation. Drinking sassafras or red clover tea may also help.

• Even if you don’t have an impaired circulatory system, understanding the circulatory system will help you know more about how to improve poor circulation
• There are technically two circulatory systems in our bodies: the pulmonary system and the systematic circulatory system. The pulmonary system connects the heart to the lungs while the systematic circulatory system ensures that blood pumped through the heart reaches every part of the body
• The parts of the circulatory system are: the heart, blood vessels, veins, capillaries and arteries
• Most importantly is the heart. The human heart consists of four chambers separated by muscular walls. The arteries and veins help the heart by pumping the blood through the body. Connecting the arteries and veins are capillaries. These capillaries ensure that nutrients and oxygen end up reaching the cells of the body

Understanding cardiovascular health, including the prevention of heart disease, means learning more about the circulatory system. It’s important to know how this major body system works in order to understand how certain lifestyle choices could be causing damage to your circulatory system and how to repair that damage once it has been done.

Parts of the Circulatory System

Essentially, the circulatory system includes the heart, blood vessels, veins, arteries, and capillaries. In fact, most people do not realize that technically there are two circulatory systems present in our bodies; the pulmonary system connects the heart to the lungs and the systemic circulatory system ensures that blood pumped from the heart reaches every part of the body before returning back to the heart.

The Heart

As the primary component of the circulatory system, the heart is one of the most important organs in our bodies. The heart is a muscle. Statistically, the average heart will beat about 80 times per minute, which is equal to around 100,000 times per day.

The human heart consists of four chambers: the left and right ventricles and the left atria and right atria. The ventricles are the bottom two chambers of the heart and the atria are located in the upper part of the heart. These chambers are separated by muscular walls. Another important feature of the heart is valves, which help control the flow of blood between the chambers and the systemic circulatory system.

Arteries and Veins

Each time the heart beats blood is pumped to the rest of the body through the arteries and veins. First, deoxygenated blood travels to the lungs via the pulmonary arteries to pick up oxygen. When the oxygen enriched blood comes back to the heart, it provides the heart with oxygen then moves into the coronary arteries to spread the oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body.

When the blood finishes its journey through the circulatory system to all the parts of our body, it returns to the heart via our veins. One of the interesting features of the veins is that they have valves that stop blood from traveling backwards.

The Other Body of the Circulatory System

Connecting the arteries and veins in the circulatory system are the capillaries. The purpose of the capillaries is to ensure that nutrients and oxygen end up reaching the cells of the body. These small parts of the circulatory system also remove waste products from the blood. Cardio exercises help to keep capillaries clean by stimulating blood circulation in the circulatory system.

Because of its close relationship to the heart and circulatory system, the lungs could be considered an important part of the system as well. Without properly working lungs, the blood cannot receive the oxygen it needs to take to the rest of the body.

Although not a part of the circulatory system, blood pressure is directly related to the system’s functioning. Blood pressure measures two states: the diastole and the systole. The former refers to how much pressure is left in the arteries when the heart is relaxed while the latter is the measure of how much pressure is put on the arteries during heart contractions. High blood pressure during either or both periods puts additional strain on the circulatory system.