When you think of the health of your heart and the possibility of clogged arteries, you typically think about symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or high blood pressure.
However, your feet, which are known as the sneaky messengers of the cardiovascular system, are among the first parts of your body to transmit early signs for catastrophic diseases such as heart disease and clogged arteries.
It is possible that your feet are showing you more information about your health than you are currently aware of. Your feet, which are frequently disregarded, might actually be an indication of major cardiovascular problems, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD), which are both types of atherosclerosis. These conditions are characterised by the accumulation of plaque in the arteries, which restricts blood flow.
What is the PAD?
It is a disorder known as peripheral artery disease, which occurs when the arteries in the limbs become constricted, resulting in a reduction in the amount of blood that flows to the limbs. Plaque, which is a mixture of fat, cholesterol, and other chemicals, accumulates in the arteries, causing them to become rigid and narrow, hence restricting the flow of blood through the arteries. This disease is known as atherosclerosis.
A look at how PAD impacts the foot
It has been reported by WebMD that the initial signs of PAD can be found in your feet, and they include symptoms such as:
Foot pain: If your circulation is poor, it will be difficult for warm blood to reach your extremities, which will result in persistent foot pain, even when the temperature is high.
Wounds that heal slowly: If a minor cut or blister takes an exceptionally long time to heal, this could be an indication that enough blood is not being supplied to the area.
Aching or cramping in the feet and legs that occurs during physical activity and goes away when the individual is at rest is referred to as “pain while walking.”
Discolouration: As a result of decreased blood flow, the feet may have a look that is either pale, blue, or even purplish in colour.
Ignoring the signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) can result in serious complications, such as critical limb ischaemia, which can lead to infection, gangrene, and even amputation if it is not addressed. In addition, having PAD is frequently an indication that atherosclerosis is harming other essential arteries, such as the arteries that lead to the brain and the heart that are also affected.
What exactly is the CAD?
Coronary artery disease is a form of atherosclerosis that specifically affects the arteries that are responsible for delivering blood to the heart. When these arteries get clogged with plaque, the heart receives less blood that is rich in oxygen, which increases the chance of having a heart attack.
Surprisingly, coronary artery disease can also manifest themselves in the feet:
Inadequate heart function can result in fluid retention, which can contribute to swelling in the feet and ankles. This condition is referred to as oedema.
Pins and needles feelings in the toes might be caused by decreased circulation, which can also cause tingling or numbness in the toes.
Changes in the skin: As a result of fluid accumulation and poor circulation, the skin of the feet may become glossy and tight.
Foot pain while at rest: In contrast to PAD, CAD-related foot discomfort may continue even when the patient is at rest, particularly during the night.
Toenails that are brittle: A lack of blood supply can cause toenails to become brittle and thick, which has the potential to weaken them.
As stated by the American Heart Association (AHA), “children and youth are developing a greater likelihood of developing coronary artery disease.” Therefore, preventative steps that are implemented at an earlier age can have higher effects farther down the road. A healthy lifestyle, which includes maintaining a healthy weight, maintaining a healthy diet, and engaging in physical activity, “will delay the progression of coronary artery disease (CAD), and there is hope that it can be improved before it causes further health problems.”
AHA also cautions that if you have PAD or CAD, there is a very high probability that you also have the other condition.
You should get rid of PAD and CAD.
When it comes to avoiding major consequences that are associated with disorders related to atherosclerosis, prevention is the most important factor. It is possible to protect your feet and your overall health in the following ways:
Engage in physical activity: physical activity helps improve circulation and prevents plaque from building up in your arteries. Every day, individuals should strive to engage in thirty minutes of moderate activity, such as brisk walking or swimming, according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Focus on consuming foods that are good for your heart by consuming a diet that is abundant in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Reduce your intake of processed foods and fats that are bad.
Smoking affects circulation and narrows your blood vessels, making it a substantial risk factor for both peripheral arterial disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD).
Take it easy: long-term stress can be a factor in the development of cardiovascular disease and high blood pressure. Develop your ability to relax by engaging in activities such as meditation or deep breathing.
Keeping your blood sugar under control is essential if you have diabetes because it helps prevent issues in your feet and cardiovascular system. If you have diabetes, you probably already know this.
Visits to your physician on a frequent basis: If you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease, scheduling regular checkups with your physician can assist in identifying potential issues at an earlier stage.
By paying attention to your feet, you may be able to identify potential issues with your heart health before they become more serious. Your feet can provide vital signals about the health of your heart. It is important to pay attention to these symptoms, whether they involve cramping, swelling, or cold feet.