You most often consider symptoms like high blood pressure, shortness of breath, or chest pain when discussing heart health and perhaps clogged arteries.
However, your feet, the cardiovascular system’s cunning messenger, are among the first parts of your body to alert you to dangerous diseases like heart disease and clogged arteries.
Your feet may be telling you more about your health than you may realize. Often disregarded, your feet may be an indicator of major cardiovascular problems including coronary artery disease (CAD) and peripheral artery disease (PAD), two types of atherosclerosis in which plaque accumulation limits blood flow in the arteries.
PAD: What is it?
Narrowed arteries cause peripheral arterial disease, which primarily affects the legs and feet and lowers blood flow to the limbs. Plaque, a mixture of fat, cholesterol, and other materials, accumulates in the arteries and causes them to harden and narrow, so reducing blood flow.
The effects of PAD on the feet
According to WebMD, the following symptoms may be the earliest indications of PAD in your feet:
chilly feet: Even in warmer weather, chilly feet might persist because poor circulation makes it difficult for warm blood to reach your extremities!
Wounds that heal slowly: Blisters or small cuts may take an abnormally long time to heal, which could be a sign of an inadequate blood supply.
Walking pain is characterized by aching or cramping in the legs and feet that goes away when you rest.
Discoloration: Because of decreased blood flow, feet may appear pale, bluish, or purplish.
Ignoring PAD symptoms can result in serious consequences, such as critical limb ischemia, which, if addressed, can cause infection, gangrene, and even amputation. Furthermore, PAD frequently indicates that other important arteries, such as those that supply the heart and brain, are being impacted by atherosclerosis.
CAD: What is it?
A form of atherosclerosis that affects the arteries that provide blood to the heart is called coronary artery disease. Plaque buildup in these arteries reduces the amount of oxygen-rich blood that reaches the heart, raising the risk of heart attacks.
Unexpectedly, CAD symptoms can also manifest in the feet:
Swelling (edema): Fluid retention brought on by poor cardiac function can result in swelling in the ankles and feet.
Pins-and-needles sensations in the toes might be caused by decreased circulation.
Skin changes: Fluid accumulation and poor circulation can cause the skin on the foot to appear tight and glossy.
Resting foot discomfort: In contrast to PAD, CAD-related foot pain can linger, particularly at night.
Brittle toenails: Weak toenails can become thick and brittle due to a lack of blood flow.
The American Heart Association (AHA) states that “youth and children are increasingly at risk for CAD.” Therefore, early preventative action can yield greater lifetime benefits. Good diet, weight control, and physical exercise are all components of healthy lifestyles that “will delay the progression of CAD, and there is hope that it can be improved before it causes further health problems.”
The American Heart Association cautions that if you have either CAD or PAD, there’s a very good chance you also have the other.
Get rid of CAD and PAD.
In order to prevent major problems from disorders associated to atherosclerosis, prevention is essential. Here are some strategies to safeguard your general health and feet:
Get moving: Exercise promotes better circulation and guards against artery-clogging plaque. Adults should strive for 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day, such as swimming or brisk walking, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
Consume heart-healthy foods: Put an emphasis on a diet high in lean proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Reduce your intake of harmful fats and processed meals.
Butt out: Smoking is a significant risk factor for both PAD and CAD because it narrows blood vessels and impairs circulation.
Relax: Long-term stress can aggravate hypertension and heart disease. Engage in relaxation exercises such as deep breathing or meditation.
Not so sweet: If you have diabetes, controlling your blood sugar is essential to avoiding cardiovascular and foot problems.
Frequent check-ups: Seeing your doctor on a regular basis might help identify issues early if you have risk factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease.
Paying attention to your feet can help you identify issues before they become serious since they can give you important information about the condition of your heart. Signs such as cramps, edema, or cold feet should not be disregarded.
Did the fact that our feet and hearts are so closely related surprise you? In order for your friends to know what to look for, please share this story with them and let us know what you think!