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Cardiac diseases very often manifest on the skin. Sometimes even small skin changes may indicate an ongoing disease process or be its non-specific symptom. We advise on what to pay attention to, so as not to overlook important signals that the body gives us.
- Problems with the heart and circulatory system may be visible on the skin. The most common symptom of cardiovascular disease is cyanosis
- It is also worth paying attention to the “spider veins” appearing on the limbs, which may indicate circulatory problems
- More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.
Cyanosis is a symptom of heart disease
The most common symptom of cardiovascular disease is cyanosis, i.e. a violet-blue discoloration of the skin and mucous membranes (especially lips and tongue) as a result of decreased arterial hemoglobin oxygen saturation. It occurs when the stroke volume of the heart decreases, e.g. in cardiogenic shock, left ventricular failure, arterial embolism and venous thrombosis. Cyanosis may also indicate a defect in the interventricular or atrial septum, or a persistent Botall duct.
In some people, the limbs are also affected by cyanosis. The fingers and toes are then cold and blue, which may be accompanied by swelling and excessive sweating. Characteristically, cyanosis usually increases with exposure to cold and decreases when the limb is heated.
Rod-shaped fingers (the so-called Hippocratic fingers) most often indicate congenital cyanotic heart defects. This causes the nail beds to relax and the distal phalanges to thicken. It is related to the occurrence of the so-called watch nails (named for the convexity and glass-like rounded shape that protects the watch face).
Spider veins on the skin and the heart
Another skin symptom that may indicate problems with the circulatory system are telangiectasias, the so-called spider veins, that is, extended lines less than 1 mm in diameter. They are often accompanied by the appearance of varicose veins, i.e. bluish, dilated subcutaneous veins with a diameter of 1 to 3 mm. They indicate chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose veins usually appear on the lower leg. They are most often accompanied by itching.
Loss of hair on the skin of the legs, trophic changes in the nails are a characteristic symptom of arterial ischemia of the limbs. In addition, non-healing ulcers often occur, especially in the places with the worst blood supply (heel, toes). They are formed even under the influence of minor injuries.
Symptoms of embolism on the skin
Cyanosis, skin ulcers, purpura, ecchymosis and painful red lumps are symptoms of cholesterol embolism. The most common changes appear on both sides of the feet and lower legs, but can also affect the thighs, buttocks and back. They are less common on the upper limbs. Cholesterol embolism may also be evidenced by the so-called. the band of blue fingers. However, it should be remembered that the blue finger syndrome may also indicate necrosis in the course of thromboembolic vasculitis. The disease is always associated with smoking, and the lesions affect the fingers and toes.
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Further part below the video.
Dilated vessels are a symptom of problems with the circulatory system
Increased feeling of warmth, paroxysmal redness of the limbs, especially of the lower limbs, accompanied by burning pain are a characteristic symptom of vascular diseases. Dilated blood vessels are visible on the skin, and erythematous changes on the limbs. Symptoms are recurring and attacks can last from minutes to hours.
The ailments worsen during physical exertion, at night, after consuming alcohol and at elevated ambient temperatures. The characteristic pain, described as burning or hot, makes those who suffer from this ailment look for ways to immediately cool down the limbs. And under the influence of pain, they resort to the strangest ways, such as soaking their feet in ice water. This in turn leads to ulceration and even necrosis in the limbs.
Other skin symptoms indicative of cardiovascular disease include small linear ecchymoses. They usually appear on the limbs and mucous membranes. They can also be located under the nails (the so-called splinter symptom). They occur in the course of infective endocarditis, but are not as characteristic of the disease as the painful purple lumps on the fingertips. Infective endocarditis may also cause painless red spots on the palms and soles of the feet.
Painless swelling, most commonly involving the face, limbs, and joint areas, may be associated with the administration of cardiovascular drugs. In such a situation, it is worth consulting a doctor.
Reddening of the skin may accompany aortic valve insufficiency. However, when there is a dark red discoloration of the face, hands, feet and auricles, cyanotic heart defects should be taken into account. There may also be a bluish-red discoloration of the distal parts of the hands or a painful reddening of the extremities.
On the other hand, pink palms and bruising of the feet may be a symptom of a patent ductus arteriosus with reverse leakage, which is associated with pulmonary hypertension.
Edema as a symptom of heart disease
Edema is an important symptom that should not be underestimated. If they affect both lower limbs, they most often indicate heart failure. They are often accompanied by pallor, cyanosis, yellowing of the skin layers and dry skin with trophic changes and features of a hemorrhagic diathesis.
If, on the other hand, they affect only one limb, then diseases of the venous or lymphatic system are more likely to cause them. Edema also occurs in chronic venous insufficiency, deep vein thrombosis and lymphatic insufficiency.
Swellings, usually symmetrical, first appear in the lowest areas and intensify in the afternoon and evening hours. The situation is similar in advanced bilateral venous insufficiency.
A brown discoloration of the skin may indicate haemochromatosis. Additionally, there may be increased sweat secretion, poor exercise tolerance and chronic fatigue.
Other symptoms of heart disease on the skin
Excessive sweating and easy fatigue may also be evidence of a cardiovascular disease. If you get any of these symptoms, please go to an internist or cardiologist as soon as possible, who will carry out the necessary tests and, if the disease is confirmed, will implement appropriate treatment.
It is also worth taking care of primary prevention and eliminating the most important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. These include: hyperlipidemia (increased levels of cholesterol and triglycerides), diabetes, obesity, and smoking. A proper, balanced diet and regular exercise are also beneficial in caring for the heart.