Circulatory or heart problems?

[Dancingtyger]

Hi, I've been wondering if I may have some kind of problems with my circulation that may indicate an underlying heart problem. I'm a 24 year old female, and the first symptom I noticed maybe a few years ago, and that is spider veins. They aren't big and no one else would probably notice them, but I feel I'm a little young to have them already. So far I have noticed them on my right ankle and upper/outer right calf near the knee. That by itself isn't so worrisome. Add to it however that my limbs seem to go numb very easily, and I'm a little more concerned. For example, just today I was sitting at a coffee shop, without my legs even being crossed, and my right leg started to go numb. I hadn't been sitting for any longer than 30 min at the time. My arms will often fall asleep in my sleep or if I'm laying prone with my hands out in front of me or propping up my head. Sometimes while working out I start to lose sensation in my outer three toes on both feet. My resting heart rate is very low, about 60 bpm, but it elevates to 150~ readily when I do only moderate cardiovascular exercise. I also notice an arrhythmia when my heart rate is elevated. In addition, I sometimes get completely random shooting pains in my head that last anywhere from less than a second to 5 seconds. I also get lightheaded very easily upon standing up. What could be the cause of all this?

[kenkeith]

Your reasoning is sound.  If you have a low heart rate at rest that would indicate a healthy cardiovascular system especially if you are and have been actively engaged in aoerbic exercise, and a fast rise in the heart rate readily with your exercise routine seems inconsistant....but readily is a subjective response and not a medical evaluation!

Yes, there can be a genetic component regarding vessel physiology as it relates to coronary vessels' circulation, but if there is a genetic predisposition to venous vessels can't be ruled out it seems. For instance, poor blood circulation is also a by-product of diabetes where small blood vessels become damaged over a long period of time. The disease also causes fluid retention, numbness and swelling, a trigger for poor blood circulation and high blood pressure.

You may want to consult your doctor regarding the poor circulation that could cause clots, etc. Take care,

Ken

[Dancingtyger]

Thanks for your response, I really appreciate the input. As soon as I have health insurance, which hopefully won't be too long from now, I'll be making an appointment. Just to clarify... I feel that if my resting heart rate wasn't quite so low it wouldn't be as alarming, but since it lies in the "athletic" range it seems like it shouldn't be so quick to accelerate. Is that logical reasoning or am I completely off the mark with that?

My worry as far as connecting it to shooting pains in the head is that if I, due to genetics or whatever, have weak valves in my veins, then maybe my veins in general are weak and I'm therefore more prone to aneurysm/stroke. May be a stretch but it seems like a valid possibility to me. I do my best not to be a hypochondriac and get worked up or assume I know something is wrong when I don't, but I just like to be aware so I can take any preventive measures that may be necessary. Thanks so much again.

[kenkeith]

Veins of the peripherals return blood to the right side of the heart to be pumped to the lungs to oxygenated.  Spider web veins and varicose veins interfer with the blood circulation to lower extremites and poor circulation can cause the numbness. They form when blood flow is slow due to weak valves (valves are a one-way flap tha closes as the blood moves toward the heart to prevent backflow due to gravity.

If blood returning to the heart is slower than normal due to the veins confirguration, that could cause the heart to beat faster than normal.  The faster heartbeat would be compensation for slower than normal return of blood and the increase of demand for oxygenated blood with the exercise.

Arrhythmia (irregular beat or fast beat) is the definition of arrhythmia.  And sometimes a fast beat can cause irregular beats.

I am providing a perspective that may give some insight to the possibilities and is by no means a diagnosis. Poor circulation would explain the numbness from poor circulation and the spider web configuration thereof.  I don't see a connection to shooting pains to the head, and the quick acceleration to fast heartbeat with aeorbic exercise may be something you should discuss with your doctor.

Thanks for sharing, and if you have any further questions or comments you are welcome to respond.  Take care,

Ken