Heart Health and Your Feet

In recognition of Heart Month, we look at how when the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, the extremities, including the feet, may show symptoms first, as well as how to monitor these symptoms and seek professional care.

Your heart and foot health are actually very closely linked, because the same arteries that supply blood to your heart carry oxygen‑rich blood all the way to your toes. A healthy heart usually means great circulation which keeps your feet warm, nourished with oxygen-rich blood, and pain free. While poor circulation in your feet and legs — from heart disease, PAD (peripheral artery disease), or other cardiovascular issues — can lead to a host of foot problems, like:

Cold feet and/or toes
Numbness, tingling, or burning sensation
Slow-healing wounds and cuts
Dry, cracked and peeling skin
Swelling and Edema
Absent hair growth on the feet
Dry, thinning, and/or shiny skin on your legs and feet
Unexplained decrease in your muscle size, called atrophy
Changes in toenails like thickening, discoloration or slow toenail growth
Diminished or absent pulses in your feet

Oftentimes, these symptoms in your feet, ankles, and legs are the first indicators that you have heart trouble and catching it early can prevent serious complications. So, never ignored or “put off” seeing your doctor if you have one or more of these symptoms. It’s your podiatrist who will often be the first provider to diagnose PAD, because they are always examining your feet and lower legs. And your podiatrists will refer you to a cardiologist or vascular physician for cardiac assessment and care.

So, what can you do to reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease and ultimately protect your feet? The American Heart Association and the CDC offer these tips:

Exercise regularly – at least 150 minutes of moderate, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity, or a combination of both every week.
Eat a heart‑healthy diet rich with fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, lean protein and fish.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Manage your stress.
Know and manage your “numbers” – blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar.
Quit smoking or using tobacco products.
Get regular foot check‑ups, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease.

Take steps today to reduce your risk of heart disease. Every small healthy step makes a difference.