Heart disease symptoms that could appear on your feet - what to look for
Health experts have warned that some painful symptoms on the feet could be a red flag sign of a dangerous heart issue. Worldwide, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death, and is responsible for nearly 18 million fatalities annually.
This includes conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system such as strokes, coronary heart disease and heart failure. In the UK, it is just as deadly, responsible for around a quarter of all deaths.
Therefore, spotting the warning signs sooner rather than later could be life saving. Some of the more common signs of a heart problem are well known - such as chest pain.
But others are less obvious and can appear in the most unlikely of places, including the feet. Experts at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) explained that signs of cardiovascular problems can appear on the feet and toes.
These include:
Painful lumps on the toes
Swelling in your feet
Blue toes
Painful lumps on the toes
These lumps on your toes are known as Osler nodes. They can indicate a rare but potentially fatal infection or inflammation of the heart's inner lining, called endocarditis.
The AAD says: “If you have a heart infection known as infective endocarditis, these painful lumps can develop in your fingers, toes, or both places. The lumps can last for a few hours to several days.
“While the lumps go away on their own, patients need treatment for the infection. Because this infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics can often treat it. Sometimes, surgery is also necessary.”
Osler nodes are typically small, raised nodules that are red or purple in colour. They will feel tender or painful to the touch.
Swelling in your feet
Swollen feet, as well as legs and ankles, which is known medically as oedema is one symptom of heart disease. It can be an indication that “your heart isn’t working properly”.
The AAD explains: “Many diseases of the heart cause fluid to build up in your feet and lower legs. As the fluid builds up, you may see swelling, which can extend as far as the upper legs and groin.”
On the NHS website the health body says that this swelling may be “better in the morning and get worse later in the day”.
Blue toes
If your toes turn blue even if you are warm this could mean you’re not getting enough oxygen in the blood. This could be due to a blockage in a blood vessel.
“When you’re extremely cold, your skin can turn blue (or purple)” the AAD says. “If an area of your skin is blue (or purple) when you’re warm, that can be a sign your blood isn’t getting enough oxygen. Without treatment, the lack of oxygen can cause the skin and underlying tissue to eventually die.”
If you experience any of these unexplained symptoms you should speak to your GP.