As odd as it might sound, your feet are often the first part of you to show early signs of circulatory problems or underlying heart conditions. Problems of heart health are both pressing and widespread: according to the American Heart Association, peripheral artery disease (PAD) affects about 8.5 million Americans and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Think of your feet as the “canary in the coal mine” for your circulatory system. Because they’re the furthest point from your heart and work against gravity for blood flow, they can reveal subtle signs of trouble before other parts of your body. This time around, Advanced Foot Care of NJ is going to explain the ins and outs of that relationship.

Foot-related signs and symptoms that might indicate a heart health issue include…

Cold Feet:
- Constantly cold feet, even in warm environments, can be a sign of poor circulation, potentially linked to conditions like Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
Numbness or Tingling:
- Numbness or tingling in your feet or toes can indicate nerve damage due to decreased blood flow, another potential sign of PAD.
Changes in Skin Color:
- Pale or bluish skin on your feet can signal poor circulation. If your skin turns reddish or purplish when your feet are dangling, it could be a sign of Raynaud’s disease, a condition that affects blood vessels in the extremities.
Swelling:
- Swelling in your feet or ankles, sometimes referred to as edema, can be a sign of heart issues, as the heart struggles to pump blood effectively.
Sores that Don’t Heal:
- Slow-healing sores or ulcers on your feet can indicate poor circulation, a common complication of diabetes and PAD, both of which are linked to heart disease.

Taking Action for Heart and Foot Health!

Schedule regular checkups with your doctor and podiatrist, especially if you have any risk factors for heart disease or diabetes. You should also try to maintain a healthy lifestyle via regular exercise, a balanced diet, and stress management techniques.

At Advanced Foot Care of NJ, LLC, our doctor and staff proudly serve the communities of Little Falls, Cedar Grove, Verona, Stoney Road, Sandy Hill, Albion Place, and Great Notch. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!