When it comes to heart health and potentially clogged arteries, you probably think about things like shortness of breath, chest pain, or high blood pressure.

But feet – the sneaky messenger of the cardiovascular system – are among the first in your body to send early warnings for serious conditions like heart disease and clogged arteries.

When it comes to your health, your feet might be telling you more than you think. Often overlooked, in fact your feet can signal serious cardiovascular issues, such as peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) – two forms of atherosclerosis, where plaque buildup restricts blood flow in the arteries.

What is PAD?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a condition where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs, most commonly having effects on the legs and feet. This condition occurs when plaque – a mixture of fat, cholesterol, and other substances – builds up in the arteries, causing them to stiffen and narrow, limiting blood flow.

How PAD affects the feet

According to WebMD, your feet can provide the first signs of PAD through symptoms like:

– Cold feet: Poor circulation makes it hard for warm blood to reach your extremities, leading to persistent cold feet, even in hot weather!

– Slow-healing wounds: Minor cuts or blisters may take an unusually long time to heal, showing insufficient blood supply.

– Pain while walking: cramping or aching in the feet and legs during physical activity, which subsides when resting.

– Discoloration: Feet may appear pale, blue, or have a purplish hue because of reduced blood flow.

Ignoring PAD symptoms can cause severe complications, including critical limb ischemia, which may lead to infection, gangrene, and even amputation if left untreated. In addition, having PAD often suggests that atherosclerosis is affecting other vital arteries, including those leading to the heart and brain.

What is CAD?

Coronary artery disease is a type of atherosclerosis that impacts the arteries supplying blood to the heart. As these arteries become clogged with plaque, the heart receives less oxygen-rich blood, increasing the risk of heart attacks.

Surprisingly, CAD can also show symptoms in the feet:

– Swelling (edema): Poor heart function can result in fluid retention, causing swelling in the feet and ankles.
– Tingling or numbness: Decreased circulation may lead to pins and needles sensations in the toes.
– Skin changes: The skin on the feet may become shiny and tight due to fluid buildup and poor circulation.
– Foot pain at rest: Unlike PAD, CAD-related foot pain may persist even when resting, especially at night.
– Brittle toenails: Poor blood supply may weaken toenails, causing them to become thick and brittle.

As per the American Heart Association (AHA), “children and youth are increasingly at risk for CAD. So, preventive measures taken early in life can have greater lifetime benefits.” Healthy lifestyles – managed by good nutrition, weight management and physical activity – “will delay the progression of CAD, and there is hope that it can be improved before it causes further health problems.”

And, AHA wa:rns that if you have PAD or CAD, chances are very high that you have the other.

Give PAD and CAD the boot

Prevention is crucial when it comes to avoiding serious complications from atherosclerosis-related diseases. Below are some ways to protect your feet and overall health:

Get moving: Exercise helps to improve circulation and prevent plaque buildup in your arteries. The Centers for Disease Control recommends adults aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity like brisk walking or swimming each day.

Eat heart-healthy foods: Focus on a diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins. Cut back on processed foods and unhealthy fats.

Butt out: Smoking narrows your blood vessels and worsens circulation, making it a major risk factor for both PAD and CAD.

Take it easy: Chronic stress can make contribution to high blood pressure and heart disease. Practice relaxation techniques like meditation or deep breathing.

Not so sweet: If you suffer from diabetes, keeping your blood sugar under control is the key to preventing complications in your feet and cardiovascular system.

Regular check-ups: If you have risk factors like high diabetes, blood pressure, or a family history of heart disease, regular visits to your doctor can help catch problems early.

Your feet can provide valuable clues about your heart health, and paying attention to them could help you detect problems before they become serious. Whether it’s cold feet, cramping, or swelling, these signs shouldn’t be ignored.