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The American Academy of Dermatology has created a list of the 10 most common skin-related symptoms that can be red flags of an issue with your cardiovascular health.
10 Heart Disease Warning Signs
Swollen Feet or Legs
There are many heart-related problems that can cause fluid to build up in the lower limbs and legs. If you notice unexplained swelling or swelling in your legs, you should notify your doctor so they can look for further signs of heart problems.
Blue-ish Skin Discoloration
In most areas, blue discoloration, or cyanosis, is not dangerous if exposed to cold temperatures for a short time. On the other hand, if you notice a blue-ish patch on your skin, even at room temperature, it could indicate a blocked blood vessel. Because the region doesn’t have enough oxygen, your blood supplies it, so it looks blue. If you notice any discoloration of the skin on your body, see your doctor immediately.
Mottled Skin
Livado reticularis is the medical term for skin that has blue-purple lace or net-like patterns in specific areas. It is common in cold temperatures, like cyanosis, but if not, it should be treated seriously. Livado reticularis may indicate cholesterol embolization syndrome or occluded small arteries. If you notice that this pattern does not go away, ask your doctor to check the condition of your blood vessels.
Cholesterol Deposits
Usually, cholesterol accumulates on the backs of your knees, the palms of your hands, or the corners of your eyes. This may be indicated by the term “unhealthy” because your cholesterol levels are unhealthy. See your doctor to get your cholesterol levels checked.
Waxy “Rash”
Although an epidermal xanthoma, a cluster of waxy lumps that form suddenly, may seem like an allergic response, it is actually a type of cholesterol. This disease often indicates high cholesterol or diabetes. If this symptom appears, get help immediately.
Clubbed Nails
For some people, swollen nail beds and crooked nails are sometimes just a natural feature and not a health risk. However, it can also be a sign of a heart condition or infection.
Splinter-Like Lines Underneath Your Nails
Chances are that any small, dark lines or splinters that appear under your nails are the result of actual nail damage. But if you are positive that you haven’t done any damage to your nails, it could be a sign of heart disease. If you experience “splinter hemorrhage” in addition to a fever and/or irregular heartbeat, see your doctor to evaluate your heart health.
Small Bumps or Nodules
Protein deposits can occur anywhere on your skin, which may indicate protein deposits in your heart or other vital organs. See a dermatologist or doctor if you notice new lumps on your skin.
Painful Lumps On Fingers or Toes
Your fingers and toes may experience uncomfortable or sensitive lumps called Osler nodes. Although the illness usually goes away quickly—within hours to days—it can be a sign of a heart infection or infective endocarditis. If you notice the development of Osler nodes on one or both of your toes or fingers, you should request an infective endocarditis test from your doctor.
Red Skin Discoloration on Hands or Feet
A Janeway lesion may be under the skin where a dark red lesion appears. These discolored areas are usually temporary, lasting a few weeks at most and painless. They may indicate infective endocarditis or heart infection. If you have red, painless sores on your hands or feet that don’t seem normal, ask your doctor to test for infective endocarditis.
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