“What Your Feet May Reveal About Heart Issues and Blocked Arteries”

 

Your legs probably aren’t the first thing that comes to mind when you hear the term “heart health,” but they can still reveal a lot about your cardiovascular system.

Pain, numbness, or swelling in the legs can be symptoms of a blocked artery or major heart problems. Two serious forms of atherosclerosis that can occur in your legs are peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD). These conditions indicate that plaque in your arteries is preventing adequate blood flow.

Recognizing PAD (peripheral arterial disease)

A build-up of plaque that clogs arteries and causes severe pain and limited movement in your extremities — usually your legs and feet — is known as peripheral artery disease. The Cleveland Clinic reports that PAD causes cramps, pain in the legs and feet, and in more severe situations, loss of limbs. You should get tested for PAD by a doctor if you experience symptoms such as leg cramps or difficulty standing for long periods of time.

Read more: Research links common heartburn drugs to early death.

Check for clogged arteries.

Early detection of PAD can prevent major consequences. Doctors will check this by doing an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test or by detecting your pulse in your legs. To see if there are any obstructions or reduced blood flow further down the chain, the ABI test uses ultrasound to compare blood pressure in the ankle and arm. You should seek immediate medical attention if you have a family history of heart disease or PAD, or if you have swelling in your ankles or feet, as these conditions may indicate heart failure or blocked arteries.

Effects of insufficient circulation

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