Poor circulation has a number of potential causes, including blocked arteries, varicose veins, liver or kidney disease, extreme cold, or as a side effect of certain drugs or medications.

CNN: Does my numb leg mean I have a circulation problem?

In that same study, Crestor also prevented clots in the veins that can lead to blocked circulation in the legs or, if dislodged, can wind up in the lungs, potentially killing the patient.

FORBES: ACC Conference

One issue is that the vascular networks could become blocked once damage was sustained and the "veins" were ruptured -- a potential solution for which was to build multiple pathways for the liquid to circulate.

CNN: The emerging world of self-healing materials