Poor blood circulation
Poor circulation can lead to cold hands and feet. This is due to conditions like peripheral artery disease (a condition in which a buildup of cholesterol and fat narrows the arteries in the legs or arms) or prolonged sitting. Poor circulation reduces oxygen and nutrients to the hands and feet, leading to a cold feeling, explains Dr Ashok MN, consultant in the department of internal medicine and diabetes at SPARSH Hospital (India).
Reduce temperature
According to research published in the journal Temperature, cold hands and feet are a natural phenomenon in winter, when it is cold, blood flow decreases in the extremities and increases in the middle of the body. This change in blood flow can help keep larger parts of the body warm.
Raynaud's disease
This is a condition in which the small arteries in the fingers and toes overreact to cold or stress. The blood vessels constrict excessively, restricting blood supply and causing the hands and feet to turn pale, blue, or red, accompanied by numbness or pain. According to the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, women tend to develop the condition more often than men, and it usually occurs in people under the age of 30.
Anemia
Iron deficiency or anemia is caused by low hemoglobin levels, which affects the supply of oxygen to the entire body. Extremities such as the hands and feet need a constant flow of blood, so anemia often makes them colder and paler than normal.
Hypothyroidism
An underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, slows down your metabolism and heat production in the body. This leads to symptoms such as poor temperature regulation, cold hands and feet, and increased fatigue.
Peripheral neuropathy
Nerve damage, often caused by diabetes, can affect the body's temperature regulation. In addition to feeling cold in the hands and feet, the condition can also cause tingling or numbness in the feet and hands due to disrupted signals from the nervous system.
Stress
Frequent stress reduces blood flow to the hands and feet, causing chronic cold hands and feet.
Smoke
Nicotine in cigarettes constricts blood vessels, reducing blood flow to the extremities. Long-term smoking is not only harmful to the lungs, but can also damage blood vessels, leading to chronic cold hands and feet and increasing the risk of peripheral artery disease.
