How Certain Heart Conditions Manifest in Your Feet
Heart warning signs are known to show in our arms, chest, and even jaw. However, our feet can also provide valuable clues about the condition of our cardiovascular system. Various heart conditions can manifest with noticeable signs in the feet and ankles, and today, we at Amarillo Foot Specialists are here to shed light on them.
7 Heart Conditions That Show Up in Feet
Peripheral Artery Disease: PAD involves narrowed arteries that reduce blood flow to the legs and feet. This can cause pain, cramping, and numbness in the feet and legs, especially during activity. The feet may also feel cold to the touch, and sores or wounds may heal slowly.
Heart Failure: When the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, it can lead to fluid buildup in the body, including the feet and ankles. This can cause swelling, also known as edema.
Coronary Artery Disease: CAD involves the buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries. These arteries supply blood to the heart muscle, so while the primary symptoms are related to the heart, CAD can also affect the feet by reducing blood flow and causing similar symptoms as PAD.
Arrhythmias: Arrhythmias are irregular heartbeats that can disrupt blood flow throughout your feet, which can lead to symptoms like coldness, numbness, or tingling.
Valvular Heart Disease: This condition involves problems with the heart valves, which can affect blood flow and circulation. In the feet, this may manifest as swelling, discoloration, or slow-healing wounds.
Congenital Heart Defects: These are heart defects present at birth. Some congenital heart defects can affect blood flow to the extremities, potentially causing symptoms in the feet like coldness, discoloration, or delayed development.
Cardiomyopathy: This condition involves a weakened or enlarged heart muscle, which can impair its ability to pump blood effectively. This can lead to fluid buildup in the feet and ankles, as well as other symptoms like fatigue and shortness of breath.
How Podiatrists Recognize Heart Warning Signs in Feet
Podiatrists are specialized in catching things that you may not detect, especially when those signs demonstrate serious conditions.
During a routine checkup, your podiatrist would conduct a detailed examination, paying close attention to any signs that could indicate heart problems. This includes:
Checking for swelling in the feet and ankles.
Assessing skin color and temperature for any abnormalities.
Inquiring about any numbness, tingling, or pain in the feet.
Examining any sores or wounds for signs of slow healing.
Evaluating the patient's medical history for risk factors like diabetes, high blood pressure, or smoking.
Do you want to finally resolve your foot and ankle problems? Contact Dr. Brandon Holloway of Amarillo Foot Specialists in Amarillo, TX, for a consultation. Please reach out to us at (806) 322-3338.