12 SKIN and NAIL signs of HEART DISEASE
Opens in a new window www.verywellhealth.com
Swollen feet and lower legs due to heart disease
Blue or purple color on the skin: This can indicate poor circulation, which may be a sign of heart disease. Opens in a new window www.aad.org
Blue or purple skin due to heart disease
Blue or purple net-like pattern on the skin: This is known as livedo reticularis and can be a sign of underlying blood vessel problems, including those related to heart disease. Opens in a new window bjcardio.co.uk
Livedo reticularis due to heart disease
Yellowish-orange, waxy growths on the skin: These are called xanthelasma and can be a sign of high cholesterol levels, which increase the risk of heart disease. Opens in a new window www.liversupport.com
Xanthelasma due to heart disease
Clusters of waxy bumps that suddenly appear on the skin: These are called eruptive xanthomas and can be a sign of extremely high cholesterol or triglyceride levels. Opens in a new window www.healthline.com
Eruptive xanthomas due to heart disease
Nails curve downward and the ends of your fingers are swollen: This is known as clubbing and can be a sign of low oxygen levels in the blood, which may be due to heart or lung disease. Opens in a new window en.wikipedia.org
Clubbing of nails due to heart disease
Red or purple lines under the nails: These are called splinter hemorrhages and can be a sign of endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves. Opens in a new window jamaicahospital.org
Splinter hemorrhages due to heart disease
Smooth, waxy lumps on the skin: These are called amyloid nodules and can be a sign of amyloidosis, a condition in which abnormal proteins build up in the organs, including the heart. Opens in a new window www.researchgate.net
Amyloid nodules due to heart disease
Painful lumps in the fingers, toes, or both: These are called Osler’s nodes and can be a sign of endocarditis. Opens in a new window www.researchgate.net
Osler’s nodes due to heart disease
Brownish (or reddish) discoloration, usually on the sole(s) or palm(s): This is called palmar erythema and can be a sign of liver disease, which can also increase the risk of heart disease. Opens in a new window patient.info
Palmar erythema due to heart disease
Non-itchy rash (flat spots with slightly raised edges) and fever: This can be a sign of lupus, an autoimmune disease that can affect the heart. Opens in a new window www.healthline.com
Lupus rash due to heart disease
Rash and cracked, swollen lips that often bleed: This can be a sign of acrocyanosis, a condition that causes the extremities (fingers, toes, nose, and ears) to turn blue due to poor circulation.
Important Note: It’s important to remember that these are just potential signs of heart disease. If you notice any of these changes, it’s important to see a doctor to get a diagnosis. Early detection and treatment of heart disease can significantly improve your outlook.