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A sick heart shows symptoms not only through the symptoms known to us, such as increased fatigue, shortness of breath or stinging in the chest. It turns out that many signals that this organ is not working properly are visible on our skin and nails. What marks on the body may be a heart disease?
If we suspect that the heart is working abnormally, e.g. as a result of noticing shallow breathing, palpitations and a faster heartbeat, we go to a cardiologist without thinking. However, it is worth remembering that cardiovascular complaints do not always give clear clinical symptoms. It often happens that we function at a high level, without cardiological problems, and the only symptom indicating the appearance of some abnormalities are changes on the skin and nails. We often underestimate them and consider them as a result of exhaustion or neglect, while they are warning signs that sound the alarm. Therefore, the doctor who can suggest cardiovascular problems is not only a cardiologist, but also a dermatologist.
- How do you know if your heart is in a deplorable condition?
Here are the most common signs of a sick heart on the skin:
Symptom of a sick heart – cyanosis
The obstruction of the blood vessels may be evidenced by cyanosis, i.e. bruising of the skin, most often located around the lips and tongue. How to recognize them? The skin turns purple or blue, even when we are warm. Sometimes our lips turn bluish-purple when swimming in a pool or in the sea or outside in the cold. This is normal and tells you to warm up quickly. When we are warm, and yet the skin changes its color, we should see a doctor, diagnose the condition and implement the right steps.
Symptom of a sick heart – spider veins on the skin
Another skin signal indicating cardiovascular problems are spider veins, i.e. small blood vessels whose diameter does not exceed 1 mm. When they begin to widen and rupture, they show up on the body, representing not only a visual defect, but also a symptom of a disease that is likely to block an artery.
Among other disturbing signs that we can notice on our body, there are also varicose veins, i.e. subcutaneous, thickened fragments of veins that are most often visible on the lower legs.
What, apart from the aforementioned skin ailments, should be worrying?
- rash, without itching, accompanied by increased body temperature
- subcutaneous nodules,
- chapped lips, with a tendency to bleed frequently
- Osler’s nodes, i.e. tender lumps located on the fingers and toes – a symptom of blood vessel or heart infection,
- discoloration on the palms or soles of the feet, usually red or brown in color
- swelling of the tongue and a change in its color to a strong red
The changes may appear suddenly and disappear spontaneously after a few hours, or they may become stronger and lead to new ailments, such as e.g. high fever.
- The cardiologist avoids these products. They raise the blood pressure, strain the heart
Your feet swell? This is a possible signal of diseases of the heart and blood vessels
Another sign that indicates that the heart is not working properly is the swelling of the feet and lower legs. The water that collects in the extremities builds up as a swelling, which may be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms such as redness, pain, and a feeling of increasing heat. These symptoms are often a symptom of deep vein thrombosis, venous insufficiency, and even lymphoedema.
Swelling of the lower limbs may extend to the level of the groin. However, it should be remembered that the swelling of the legs can indicate many different diseases, including problems of the urinary system, kidney diseases, but also a sign of malnutrition. To get rid of the ailments described, first you need to get rid of the cause of the problem, that is, the specific disease that causes the swelling.
The appearance of nails and heart disease
In addition to the above-mentioned skin symptoms, you should also pay attention to the appearance of your nails. Violet or red lines under the fingernails are a disturbing sign. We often underestimate them, justifying them by hitting or pinching our fingers. Such a change, however, can speak of a heart disease, so if you do not remember the moment when the nail could have been damaged, be sure to consult your doctor.
A final example is nails that curve downward with swollen fingertips. This is a condition that should be checked quickly as it could be an infection, heart disease, or lung problems.
Read also:
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- These symptoms predict a heart attack months in advance