Your Feet Can Warn You About Clogged Arteries And Heart Disease

When thinking about heart health or clogged arteries, most people focus on symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or high blood pressure. But did you know your feet can serve as an early warning system for serious cardiovascular conditions like clogged arteries and heart disease?

Often overlooked, the feet are surprisingly good messengers of cardiovascular health. They can signal issues such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) — two forms of atherosclerosis caused by plaque buildup that restricts blood flow through the arteries.

Stock photo of feet. Credit / Shutterstock

What Is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)?

PAD occurs when arteries narrow due to plaque buildup, reducing blood flow to the limbs, most commonly affecting the legs and feet. This condition arises when a mix of fat, cholesterol, and other substances causes arteries to stiffen and narrow, limiting circulation.

How PAD Shows Up in Your Feet

According to WebMD, your feet often reveal the first signs of PAD. Symptoms include:

• Cold Feet: Poor circulation makes it difficult for warm blood to reach the extremities, leaving your feet cold even in warm weather.
• Slow-Healing Wounds: Cuts or blisters that take an unusually long time to heal may indicate insufficient blood supply.
• Pain While Walking: Cramping or aching in the feet and legs during physical activity that subsides with rest.
• Discoloration: Pale, bluish, or purplish hues in the feet due to reduced blood flow.

If untreated, PAD can lead to serious complications like critical limb ischemia, which may cause infections, gangrene, and even amputation. PAD is also a red flag for atherosclerosis in other arteries, including those leading to the heart and brain.

What Is Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)?

Coronary artery disease involves plaque buildup in the arteries that supply blood to the heart. When these arteries become clogged, the heart receives less oxygen-rich blood, increasing the risk of a heart attack.

CAD Symptoms That Can Show in Your Feet

Surprisingly, CAD may manifest in your feet as well, with symptoms such as:

• Swelling (Edema): Poor heart function can lead to fluid retention, causing swollen feet and ankles.
• Tingling or Numbness: Decreased circulation may result in a pins-and-needles sensation in the toes.
• Skin Changes: Tight, shiny skin on the feet due to fluid buildup and reduced blood flow.
• Foot Pain at Rest: Unlike PAD, CAD-related foot pain may persist even when resting, particularly at night.
• Brittle Toenails: Weak blood supply can make toenails thick and brittle.

The American Heart Association (AHA) warns that PAD and CAD often go hand in hand. If you have one condition, your risk for the other is significantly higher.

Protecting Your Feet and Heart

Preventing complications from atherosclerosis-related diseases begins with healthy lifestyle habits. Here’s how you can safeguard your feet and your heart:

1. Stay Active: Exercise improves circulation and prevents plaque buildup in arteries. Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity, like brisk walking or swimming, most days of the week.
2. Eat Heart-Healthy Foods: Build a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Avoid processed foods and unhealthy fats.
3. Quit Smoking: Smoking worsens circulation and is a major risk factor for PAD and CAD.
4. Manage Stress: Chronic stress can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. Try relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.
5. Control Diabetes: If you have diabetes, maintaining healthy blood sugar levels is essential to prevent complications in your feet and cardiovascular system.
6. Get Regular Check-Ups: If you have risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, routine doctor visits can help detect problems early.

Why You Should Pay Attention to Your Feet

Your feet can provide valuable clues about your cardiovascular health. Symptoms like cold feet, swelling, or cramping shouldn’t be ignored. Early detection and lifestyle changes can go a long way in protecting your heart and overall health.

Did you find it surprising how closely linked your feet and heart are? Share this story with your friends, so they too can learn the signs to look out for and take steps toward better heart health!