What are the causes of insufficient cerebral blood supply?
Mar 24, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Tian Hongbo
Introduction
As people age, vascular elasticity decreases, atherosclerosis gradually develops, and the vascular lumen becomes narrower, leading to reduced blood supply to the brain. This often manifests as dizziness, memory loss, and similar symptoms. In daily life, individuals can engage in appropriate physical activities, such as walking or practicing Tai Chi, to promote blood circulation. Dietary habits should include reducing the intake of high-salt and high-fat foods and consuming more fresh vegetables and fruits.
Insufficient cerebral blood supply may be caused by aging, chronic hypotension, cervical spondylosis, hyperlipidemia, or coronary atherosclerotic heart disease. Management should be based on the specific condition. If symptoms occur, prompt medical consultation is recommended for diagnosis and treatment as directed by a physician.
1. Aging: With advancing age, vascular elasticity decreases, atherosclerosis gradually develops, and the vascular lumen narrows, leading to reduced blood supply to the brain. This commonly manifests as dizziness and memory decline. Regular physical activity, such as walking or tai chi, can help improve circulation. Dietary adjustments should include reduced intake of high-salt and high-fat foods, with increased consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables.
2. Chronic Hypotension: Prolonged low blood pressure results in inadequate cardiac pumping function, preventing sufficient blood flow to the brain and causing cerebral hypoperfusion. Patients often experience dizziness and fatigue, with symptoms worsening upon sudden standing. Increasing salt intake moderately can help raise blood volume. Avoiding rapid standing movements and engaging in regular physical exercise to strengthen overall physical condition are recommended. If necessary, medications to elevate blood pressure may be used under medical supervision.
3. Cervical Spondylosis: Cervical spine disorders, such as intervertebral disc herniation or bone spurs, can compress neck vessels and impair cerebral blood supply. Symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, upper limb numbness, and dizziness. Under medical guidance, patients may take medications such as Jingfukang granules, mecobalamin tablets, and flunarizine capsules to alleviate symptoms, along with physical therapies like cervical traction and massage.
4. Hyperlipidemia: Elevated blood lipid levels increase blood viscosity, slow blood flow, and promote plaque formation on vessel walls, resulting in vascular narrowing and impaired cerebral blood supply. Symptoms may be nonspecific, such as fatigue and drowsiness. Under medical supervision, lipid-lowering medications such as atorvastatin calcium tablets, fenofibrate capsules, and Xuezhikang capsules may be prescribed. Additionally, dietary control and increased physical activity are recommended to reduce fat intake.
5. Coronary Atherosclerotic Heart Disease: Coronary artery atherosclerosis leads to vascular narrowing or occlusion, causing myocardial ischemia, which subsequently affects the heart's ability to pump blood to the brain. Symptoms include chest pain, chest tightness, palpitations, and worsening symptoms with physical exertion. Under medical guidance, medications such as aspirin enteric-coated tablets, isosorbide dinitrate tablets, and metoprolol tartrate tablets may be used to improve myocardial perfusion and relieve symptoms.
In daily life, maintaining a healthy lifestyle—including regular exercise, a balanced diet, smoking cessation, and moderate alcohol consumption—can help delay vascular aging.
References:
[1] Zhou Xueqian, Yue Jingyu, Zhang Liujing, et al. Role of intestinal microbiota in HIV-related hyperlipidemia[J]. Chinese Journal of AIDS & STD, 2025, 31(02): 221-225.
[2] Chen Min, Xia Ying, Dai Wei, et al. Current status and influencing factors of fatigue in patients with coronary heart disease[J]. Modern Medical Journal, 2024, 52(12): 1930-1935.
