Is Your Heart Really Healthy? Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Have you ever stopped to wonder whether your heart is truly doing okay? It’s an important question—especially considering that heart disease remains the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the CDC, nearly 695,000 Americans die each year from heart-related conditions.

This article will help you recognize visible signs and physical symptoms that may suggest your heart needs extra care. We’ll also share practical tips to protect your heart health in the long run.

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7 Visible Signs Your Body May Be Warning You

According to cardiologist Dr. Andre Wambier, some heart-related problems can actually be seen on the body. Think of these as subtle signals your body may be sending.

Key Takeaways

• Frank’s Sign – A diagonal crease on the earlobe

• Loss of leg hair – Possible circulation problems

• Xanthelasma – Yellow patches around the eyes

• Arcus senilis – A white or gray ring around the cornea

• Cyanosis – Bluish or purplish skin

• Non-healing ulcers – Especially on legs or feet

• Swelling (edema) – In legs, ankles, or feet

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1. Frank’s Sign: The Diagonal Ear Crease

A small diagonal crease on the earlobe—known as Frank’s Sign—may be linked to blockages in the coronary or carotid arteries.

First identified in the 1970s by Dr. Sanders Frank, this crease appeared frequently in patients with angina (chest pain). While not everyone with the crease has heart disease, studies suggest:

• About 70% of people with this crease have some arterial blockage

• The sign is more concerning in younger individuals

• Only 40% of people with heart disease show this sign

👉 In short: it’s a clue, not a diagnosis.

2. Losing Hair on Your Legs

Hair loss on the shins or thighs can be a sign of peripheral artery disease (PAD)—a condition caused by narrowed arteries reducing blood flow to the limbs.

Because atherosclerosis affects the entire body, PAD may also signal blockages in heart arteries.

Other possible signs include:

• Smooth, shiny skin

• Cold legs or feet

• Slow-growing toenails

⚠️ Note: Leg hair loss can also be genetic or caused by clothing friction.

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3. Xanthelasma: Yellow Patches Around the Eyes

Xanthelasma appears as soft, yellow patches on the eyelids—often near the inner corners. These are cholesterol deposits under the skin.

Key facts:

• Around 50% of people with xanthelasma have high cholesterol or triglycerides

• Only 1% of people with high cholesterol develop xanthelasma

• Its presence is linked to a higher risk of heart attack and stroke

👉 If you notice this, consider checking your lipid levels.

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4. Arcus Senilis: A White or Gray Eye Ring

This is a pale ring around the edge of the cornea caused by cholesterol buildup.

• Common and normal in people over 60

• Found in nearly 100% of people over 80

• Concerning if it appears before age 45, as it may indicate very high cholesterol

The good news? It doesn’t affect vision and needs no treatment.

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5. Cyanosis: Bluish Skin Color

Bluish or purplish skin—especially when you’re warm—can indicate poor oxygen delivery due to heart or lung problems.

Possible causes include:

• Heart failure

• Congenital heart defects

• Lung conditions like pneumonia or pulmonary embolism

If cyanosis appears with shortness of breath, seek medical care promptly.

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6. Ulcers That Won’t Heal

Painful sores on the legs or feet that heal slowly—or not at all—may signal poor blood circulation from blocked arteries.

Typical features:

• Often painful (unless nerve damage is present)

• Usually appear on toes, heels, or outer legs

• Minimal bleeding

These differ from venous ulcers, which typically bleed more and occur on the inner leg.

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7. Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, or Feet

Swelling (edema) can occur when the heart isn’t pumping efficiently, allowing fluid to accumulate.

Signs include:

• Tight shoes by evening

• Puffy ankles

• “Pitting” when pressed

Swelling often worsens by day’s end and improves when legs are elevated.

7 Symptoms That May Signal Heart Trouble

These are sensations you feel, not things you see.

Key Symptoms

• Shortness of breath

• Persistent cough with white or pink mucus

• Difficulty breathing when lying flat

• Chronic fatigue

• Frequent nighttime urination (nocturia)

• Leg pain when walking (intermittent claudication)

• Chest pain

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Chest Pain: Never Ignore It

Heart-related chest pain:

• Lasts more than a few minutes

• Feels like pressure, tightness, heaviness, or burning

• May radiate to the arm, jaw, neck, back, or stomach

• Often accompanied by sweating, nausea, or dizziness

🚨 If this happens, seek medical help immediately.

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How to Keep Your Heart Healthy

Here’s how to protect your heart long-term:

• Stay active: Walk, swim, bike—movement improves circulation

• Quit smoking: One of the biggest risk factors for heart disease

• Maintain a healthy weight: Reduces strain on your heart

• Eat heart-smart: Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, olive oil

• Know your family history: Genetics matter

• Control cholesterol & triglycerides: Diet, exercise, medication if needed

• Manage blood sugar: Aim for HbA1c < 7

• Monitor blood pressure: Ideally below 120/80

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Final Thoughts

If you’ve noticed several of these signs or symptoms, don’t ignore them. Talk to a doctor, describe what you’re experiencing, and follow medical advice.

💙 Your heart works hard for you—make sure you take good care of it.