Q. I’ve always had good circulation but for the past couple of years, my hands and feet have been noticeably colder – so much so that people often comment when they shake hands with me.
I first noticed the change after starting treatment for heart problems. Could there be a link?
Cold extremities – typically the hands, feet and/or tip of the nose – are a common complaint in older people and there are myriad potential causes, including a side effect of medication.
One possible link in your case is that some types of drugs used to treat heart problems like angina – the beta blocker family of drugs ending in -lol, such as atenolol and bisoprolol – can reduce blood flow to your hands and feet.
You don’t say what your heart problem is, or what you have been prescribed, but if you are on a beta blocker you should mention your hands and feet to your GP as they may be able to try a lower dose or consider an alternative (but this isn’t always possible).
Other potential causes of your symptoms range from over-reactive small blood vessels (Raynaud’s phenomenon) to underlying rheumatological conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and furred up circulation (peripheral arterial disease), although this normally mainly affects the feet.
With 26 years experience in practice and a partner in a busy South Gloucestershire surgery, Dr Mark is also resident doctor on BBC One's The One Show, presents Radio 4's Inside Health, writes for The Times, and has popped up on celebrity versions of The Weakest Link and Mastermind.
Dr Mark was awarded an MBE in 2005 for services to medicine.
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