Shocking Ways Your Feet Reveal Heart Trouble
How Your Feet Can Signal Heart Problems
Your feet may seem far from your heart, but they can offer early warning signs of heart and circulation issues. Pain, swelling, numbness, or unusual changes in your feet could be signs of peripheral artery disease (PAD)—a condition where plaque builds up in the arteries, reducing blood flow to your legs and feet.
PAD can cause cramping, especially when walking, and may lead to serious complications like non-healing wounds or even limb loss if left untreated. According to the Cleveland Clinic, early detection is key. Tests like the ankle-brachial index (ABI), which compares blood pressure in the ankles and arms, and checking for foot pulses can help spot problems early.
Swelling in the feet or ankles—called peripheral edema—may also point to weak heart function. This fluid buildup is a sign…
