Cold hands and feet indicate health problems?
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Many people have colder hands and feet than usual, even without an apparent reason. In fact, our extremities - hands, feet, nose, and ears - tend to get colder when we are under low temperatures. However, when this happens frequently and without any influence of the weather, it is important to keep an eye on it.
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See_also: Does Brown Orange Burn Abdominal Fat? Understand the BenefitsWhy do we get cold hands and feet?
Our body has a number of complex systems that work in an integrated way. For example, the vascular system allows the circulation of blood, oxygen, and nutrients to muscles and organs. The conductors responsible for this transport are the blood vessels and arteries, which are sensitive to several factors - temperature is one of them.
"In other words, the body activates the "intelligent mode" to manage body heat, and the extremities take a back seat. So, to solve theproblem, it is enough to warm up properly or move around to stimulate the circulation.
However, cold hands and feet can indicate that something is not right, especially if there are other symptoms accompanying the condition:
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Emotions greatly affect the metabolism and the nervous system, which generates a chain reaction for the other functions: "Stressful situations generate an alert to the sympathetic nervous system, which triggers vasoconstriction and can make the extremities colder", Fernandes explains. This is why some people report "cold sweat" when they are facing a difficult moment or decision, which is alsoDespite the reaction being harmless at first, experiencing emotional crises that destabilize the body can harm health and become a risk factor for heart disease, for example.
Cardiovascular problems
In addition to frozen hands and feet regardless of the cold, Wendell Fernandes explains that the person may feel numbness, paralysis and pain in the affected limb.The blood circulates with difficulty when the blood pressure exceeds 140/90 mmHg, and reaches the hands and feet late.
Hypothyroidism and hormonal changes
Hypothyroidism is a deficiency in the production of thyroid hormones, which results in weight gain, fatigue, changes in the menstrual cycle, among others.
Freezing hands and feet: when to seek medical help?
As we have already said, cold extremities alone do not always set off the health alert. However, if the discomfort arises frequently and coupled with:
- Numbness.
- Local or calf pain when walking.
- Cyanosis (change in skin color, which can turn blue or purple).
- Tiredness even after low-effort activities.
- A heart that is not beating without a specific stimulus (arrhythmia).
- Apparent varicose veins.
- Difficulty making movements in the extremities (moving fingers and toes, for example).
How to avoid freezing hands and feet?
At first glance, keeping the regions well warm will help relieve the discomfort. But it is essential to seek medical attention, especially with an angiologist, if you suspect circulation problems. The annual or biannual check-up is also a preventive and effective way to early diagnose the diseases that have frozen hands and feet as a symptom. Finally, follow a routine of habitshealthy - avoid cigarettes, alcohol, and prioritize nutritious food and daily exercise - strengthen health against serious illnesses.
Source: Wendell Fernandes, vascular surgeon and professor of Medicine at UnP. References: Brazilian Society of Angiology and Vascular Surgery (SABCV).
