6 Signs on Your Feet That May Warn of He.art Disease – Don’t Ignore Them

Heart disease reduces blo.od flow to the feet, which can lead to conditions such as numbness, tingling, swelling, or pain and discomfort when walking.

 

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide, with an estimated 17.9 million cases each year. CVD is a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels, including coronary heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, heart failure, and other conditions.

Poor blood supply can affect various parts of the body, including the feet. Here are some warning signs:

Swelling or Edema
Frequent swelling of the feet and ankles can be an early sign of heart disease. When the heart isn’t pumping blood effectively, fluids can accumulate in the lower limbs, causing edema, which is often seen in patients with heart failure. If swelling occurs regularly, especially without a clear cause like injury, you should see a doctor promptly.

In addition to taking medications prescribed by a doctor to remove excess fluid from the body, other measures to help reduce swelling include elevating your legs when sleeping, reducing salt intake, avoiding tight shoes, and engaging in light exercise.

Slow-Healing Wounds or Ulcers
Poor blood circulation can slow down the body’s ability to heal wounds, particularly on the feet and toes. Wounds that take longer to heal than usual or appear without any clear cause may be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD). If not treated early, the condition can lead to severe infections and gangrene.

Cold, Blue, or Purple Feet
Feet that turn blue or purple can indicate a lack of oxygen. This symptom is often due to blocked arteries, resulting in poor oxygenated blood flow. Reduced blood circulation due to heart disease can also make the feet unusually cold.

Pain When Walking
This type of pain, known as claudication, is characterized by pain, cramping, or discomfort in the feet and calves that occurs while walking and subsides with rest. If you continue walking, the symptoms may return. Claudication is usually caused by narrowed or blocked arteries, which restrict blood flow to the muscles. This is a typical symptom of PAD or underlying heart disease.

Red or Purple Streaks Under the Nails
Small red or purple streaks under the toenails, known as splinter hemorrhages, can sometimes be associated with infective endocarditis—a bacterial infection of the inner lining of the heart or heart valves. Although even minor trauma to the toes can cause this symptom, it should not be ignored if it persists.

Numbness in the Feet
Frequent numbness or tingling in the feet can also be due to cardiovascular issues that impair blood circulation. Reduced or interrupted supply of oxygen and nutrients to tissues can lead to pain, numbness, or tingling in this area.