Heart Disease: 10 Warning Signs That Might Appear On Your Skin

Oct 12, 2018

Although it might seem odd, heart disease is often diagnosed by dermatologists rather than cardiologists. That's because many early warning signs of heart disease show up on your skin first. Here are 10 of the most common skin issues to keep an eye out for.

Heart disease can cause your feet and legs to retain more fluid. If you start to notice that your feet and legs are swelling up and you don't have an explanation, be sure to consult with your doctor to determine the cause. They will be able to test you for heart conditions. 

Although your skin turning blue isn't cause for concern if you've been out in the cold for a bit, it is concerning if it's happening for no reason. Skin turning blue can be a sign of a blood vessel that is blocked. The skin turns blue because it is lacking oxygen. This requires medical attention as it can be a sign of a heart condition.

Skin that has a criss cross of blue and purple tones can be a common occurrence when the weather is cold. But, if you're not exposed to cold air, it can be cause for concern since it can be a symptom of a blocked artery or problems with cholesterol. If the patterned marks do not disappear, be sure to consult with your doctor as soon as possible.

These are typically found around the corners of your eyes, the back of your legs, or your palms. They will form if your cholesterol levels are not healthy, so be sure to consult with your physician if you notice them.

If you begin to notice a rash that consists of a bunch of waxy bumps in a cluster, this is cause for immediate concern. Although it may look like a rash, these bumps are another form of cholesterol deposits. These deposits on the skin are a sign of diabetes or cholesterol levels that are extremely high.

These combined with sloped nails can be the way people's hands are shaped, but they can also be a sign of a heart infection or disease. Be sure to consult with your doctor to determine the cause.

Lines under your nails that resemble splinters are often a result of trauma to the fingers. However, if your fingers have not sustained any damage recently, this could be another symptom of heart disease. If criss-cross, you should consult with your doctor immediately.

Bumps or nodules on your skin are called protein deposits. These can often be a symptom of a protein build up in one of your major organs, like the heart. Consult with your dermatologist to determine the exact cause of the bumps.

If you notice painful bumps, often called Osler nodes, on your toes or fingers, you should be alert for heart conditions. These bumps typically don't last for a very long time, but they can be a sign of a heart condition or infective endocarditis.

This may look like a simple bruise under the skin, but it can also be something called a Janeway lesion. The discoloration is not painful and does not last very long, but unfortunately, it can be a symptom of an infection in your heart. 

Don't wait until it's too late. If you notice any of these skin symptoms, it's important to consult with your dermatologist or general practitioner as soon as possible. They will be able to help diagnose your problem or refer you to the appropriate specialist if needed. 

Did you find this article informative and insightful? Spread awareness, pass this post along to warn your friends on these signs. 

Our content is created to the best of our knowledge, yet it is of general nature and cannot in any way substitute an individual consultation by your doctor. Your health is important to us!