Symptoms of “numbness” in the hands, arms, or legs are often overlooked by many people because when we change our posture, these numbness symptoms usually subside. However, numbness can actually be caused by various factors, including prolonged pressure in the same position, abnormal levels of minerals and vitamins in the body, and numbness can also be a warning sign of serious diseases. Therefore, do not ignore it if numbness frequently occurs.
Half-body numbness… may risk coronary artery disease
Frequent, intermittent numbness is one of the warning signs of various diseases, including gout, thyroid disease, diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, herniated discs pressing on nerves, as well as silent threats that are among the leading causes of sudden death, such as coronary artery disease. The main cause of numbness is often poor blood circulation. Therefore, if numbness worsens and spreads to one side of the body, do not ignore it. You should see a doctor immediately.
How to know if your coronary arteries are at risk of narrowing or blockage?
Normally, coronary artery disease does not have clear symptoms. But if symptoms occur, they usually involve chest pain or tightness, as if something heavy is pressing on the center of the chest. The pain may radiate to the back, arms, or cause numbness on the left side of the body. Vascular screening using a Vascular Screening device is one way to help determine if your arteries are at risk of narrowing, rupture, or blockage.
Vascular screening is a test of the peripheral arteries in the arms and legs to measure the ABI, or the ratio between the systolic blood pressure at the ankle and the average systolic blood pressure of the arm on the same side. This test is simple, effective, and accurate. The normal ABI value ranges from 0.91 to 1.3. A value below 0.9 indicates arterial narrowing in some area, which may lead to coronary artery disease and stroke in the future.
Advantages of peripheral artery ABI screening
- Takes about 10 minutes to perform
- No need for contrast injection
- No hospitalization required
- No special preparation needed before the test
Who should get peripheral artery ABI screening?
- People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or high blood cholesterol
- People who are obese or have a BMI above the standard
- People who have smoked continuously for a long time
- People with family members who have a history of coronary artery disease or stroke
To keep your arteries healthy, avoid these foods
- High-fat foods, especially saturated fats such as lard, animal fats, coconut milk curry, and palm oil
- Foods containing trans fats such as whipped cream, margarine, and baked goods. This does not mean you must avoid them completely, but control the amount you consume because trans fats can easily accumulate in the arteries. Deliciousness may unknowingly harm your arteries.
- Sweet foods because sweetness is an unavoidable part of daily life, present in almost all foods, whether sweet or savory, all contain sugar. It is true that sugar provides energy to the body, but if consumed in excess, the sweetness will quickly turn into fat accumulation.
- Alcoholic beverages not only reduce awareness and perception but some alcoholic drinks contain calories comparable to high-fat foods. Say no! to alcohol starting today for better health as a bonus.
How to prevent numbness
- Change your posture; avoid pressing your arms and legs in the same position for a long time as it restricts blood circulation
- Supplement vitamin B by eating grains, corn, brown rice, various whole grains, pork, egg yolks, liver, yogurt, milk, potatoes, oranges, tomatoes, and various nuts in appropriate amounts
- Eat a variety of vegetables and fruits, which are rich in vitamins and minerals beneficial to the body and high in fiber that aids digestion
- Exercise regularly. Exercise helps the nervous system function efficiently, burns excess fat, improves health, and is also a good way to relieve stress
- If numbness occurs frequently and does not improve, do not ignore it. If symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes or worsen, consult a doctor for a thorough examination because ignoring these symptoms may be more dangerous than you think
