Your feet might not be the first place you think of when you hear “heart health”, but they can tell you a lot about your cardiovascular system. Symptoms in your feet like pain, numbness, or swelling, could be indicative of serious heart problems or clogged arteries. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are two serious types of atherosclerosis that might manifest in your feet and signal restricted blood flow from plaque in your arteries.1

Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Identifying PAD early helps prevent serious complications. Physicians will check for it by measuring your pulse in your feet or by performing an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test. The ABI test uses ultrasound to compare the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm, identify if there are any blockages or reduced blood flow further down the chain. If you have any family history of heart disease or PAD, or if you’re experiencing swelling in your feet or ankles, it could be a sign of clogged arteries or heart failure and warrants your immediate attention.

The Impact of Poor Circulation

 

Sean Cate

May 25, 2024 ·  3 min read

How Your Feet Could Be Signaling Heart Problems and Clogged Arteries

Your feet might not be the first place you think of when you hear “heart health”, but they can tell you a lot about your cardiovascular system. Symptoms in your feet like pain, numbness, or swelling, could be indicative of serious heart problems or clogged arteries. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are two serious types of atherosclerosis that might manifest in your feet and signal restricted blood flow from plaque in your arteries.1

 

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Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

 

 

Peripheral artery disease is when plaque build-up leads to clogged arteries, causing significant discomfort and limited mobility in your extremities (usually your legs and feet). According to the Cleveland Clinic, PAD leads to leg and foot pain, cramping, and in severe cases progress, limb loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms like difficulty standing for long periods or having frequent leg cramps, you should seek medical screening for PAD.

Read More: Common Heartburn Drugs Linked to Early Death, Study Claims.

Testing for Clogged Arteries

 

Identifying PAD early helps prevent serious complications. Physicians will check for it by measuring your pulse in your feet or by performing an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test. The ABI test uses ultrasound to compare the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm, identify if there are any blockages or reduced blood flow further down the chain. If you have any family history of heart disease or PAD, or if you’re experiencing swelling in your feet or ankles, it could be a sign of clogged arteries or heart failure and warrants your immediate attention.

The Impact of Poor Circulation

 

Poor circulation can significantly affect your feet. Reduced blood flow deprives tissues of oxygen and nutrients which will lead to pain, numbness, tingling, and significantly slower wound healing. Plaque buildup creates clogged arteries, further restricting blood supply and contributing to PAD. Also, having weak heart function can cause peripheral edema, which results in swollen legs and feet. For diabetics, nerve damage from high blood sugar levels can make foot pain and numbness even worse, making it even more important to monitor and manage blood sugar levels.2

Preventive Measures for PAD and CAD

 

 

Maintaining Heart Health for Healthy Feet

 

The relationship between your heart and feet is a two-way street. Maintaining a healthy heart ensures better blood flow to your extremities, and staying active and eating a healthy diet can take pressure off your heart and feet. No clogged arteries means your feet are happy, too. Regularly seeing your doctor can help manage any underlying conditions that might affect your cardiovascular and foot health. As always, being proactive can significantly improve your quality of life and help keep both your heart and feet in top condition.

Conclusion

Always pay attention to what your body is telling you. Your feet can provide crucial insights into your cardiovascular health, you jus need to be listening. Pain, numbness, and swelling are all potential signals of serious heart problems or clogged arteries. Understanding the signs and taking preventive measures can protect your heart and ensure better overall health long term. If you notice any issues with your feet, talk to your doctor. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing severe complications.