Can Heart Illnesses Show Signs on the Skin?
Many heart problems often give warning signs on the skin. Read ahead to know about such signs and symptoms that can help in seeking timely diagnosis and treatment.
Cardiac or heart problems cover various conditions that affect the functioning of the heart, including blood vessel disease, irregular heartbeats, congenital heart defects, and disease of the heart muscles and valves.
While many heart diseases can be prevented and/or treated, it is important to pay attention to the warning signs that appear on your skin and nails. For accurate advice, you can connect with the best cardiologists in Kolkata at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital Kolkata.
Read ahead to know more about the warning signs that appear on your skin.
1. Brownish or Reddish Discoloration Usually on the Sole or Palm (Medical Name: Janeway Lesions)
Experiencing non-itchy rashes or painless flat spots with slightly raised edges and fever might indicate an infection in your heart or blood vessels. This infection requires treatment.
2. Blue or Purple Colour on the Skin (Medical Name: Cyanosis)
If an area of your skin turns blue or purple, even when you are warm, it may be a sign that your blood isn’t getting enough oxygen, causing the skin and underlying tissues to die eventually. It may also indicate a blockage in a blood vessel.
3. Blue or Purple Net-like Pattern on the Skin (Medical Name: Livedo Reticularis)
Some people observe a blue-coloured, net-like pattern on their skin when they feel chilly, however, this pattern disappears when their skin warms up. Also, this pattern can appear upon taking certain medications. Besides, a net-like pattern can also appear on the skin if the person is suffering from cholesterol embolization syndrome, which occurs when small arteries get blocked resulting in damaged tissues and organs. It is important to visit a specialist to find out the root cause of these patterns and to obtain the right treatment as soon as possible.
4. Clusters of Waxy Bumps that Suddenly Appear on the Skin (Medical Name: Eruptive Xanthoma)
The sudden appearance of eruptive xanthomatosis bumps can look like a pimple, rash, wart, or molluscum contagiosum (a contagious skin condition). They are fatty deposits of cholesterol that can be caused due to extremely high levels of triglycerides in the blood or uncontrolled diabetes.
5. Painful Lumps in Fingers, Toes, or Both (Medical Name: Osler Nodes)
Infection in the heart or blood vessels may result in the development of painful lumps in the fingers, toes, or both areas. Lasting for a few hours to several days, these lumps usually go away on their own. However, patients would require treatment for the infection, which may include antibiotics or sometimes, surgery.
6. Smooth, Waxy Lumps on the Skin (Medical Name: Nodules of Systemic Amyloidosis)
Waxy lumps can appear anywhere on the skin, indicating that there may be an abnormal buildup of protein in vital organs including the heart. Notably, protein deposits in the heart can affect its proper functioning and is medically called cardiac amyloidosis.
7. Swelling in the Feet and Lower Legs (Medical Name: Edema)
When the heart doesn't function properly, blood flow slows down and starts backing up in the veins present in the legs. This causes fluid to build up in the tissues, which presents as oedema or swelling.
8. Yellowish-orange, Waxy Growths on the Skin (Medical Name: Xanthelasma)
High cholesterol in the body can result in yellowish-orange growths on the skin. These waxy painless deposits can appear in many areas, including the corners of your eyes, lines on your palms, or the backs of your lower legs. Indicating unhealthy cholesterol levels, it is wise to consult a doctor upon noticing these growths in any area of your skin.
It is important to listen to the body to prevent any bigger damage in the future. Considering this, attention must be paid to signs on the skin that indicate heart problems.
You can consult with one of the best cardiologists in Kolkata at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital Kolkata if you observe any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms.
