"Cold hands, warm heart," the saying goes, but what do cold hands really mean?
"Cold hands and feet can mean inadequate blood flow, but ¥poor circulation' is not commonly the cause," says Mark Stafford, M.D., associate professor of medicine at UAB.
"Aside from cold temperatures, the most common cause is probably anxiety stemming from fear. The anxiety sets into motion a complex chain of reactions resulting in decreased blood flow to the skin in anticipation of potential injury and bleeding."
Nerve damage can also be a cause, especially of cold feet. "If you suspect poor circulation or another potentially serious problem, ask your doctor to check."
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