Understanding the Heart-Foot Connection

February is American Heart Month, which means it’s time for us at My Chicago Foot Expert to give extra priority to cardiovascular health. But how are the feet and heart related in the first place? It’s a two-way street: foot problems can signal underlying conditions, and conversely, heart disease can manifest with symptoms in your feet. In this blog, we’ll further explore this fascinating connection and provide tips on how to nurture it.

How Heart Conditions Can Affect Your Feet

Your foot is like a vital sign that you can periodically check for a snapshot of your heart health.

For instance, swelling in the feet and ankles can be a sign of heart failure, whereas leg pain and cramping, especially during activity, can indicate peripheral artery disease (in which narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs).  

Changes in skin color or temperature, such as pale or bluish feet, can also signal poor circulation. Additionally, slow-healing wounds or ulcers on the feet can be a red flag for diabetes or poor circulation, both of which are risk factors for heart disease. This puts you at an increased risk of foot infections, which can spread throughout the body and potentially affect the heart if left untreated.

Reduced blood flow to the feet can impair nerve function, making it harder to feel injuries or changes in temperature, increasing the risk of foot ulcers and infections.

The Importance of Foot Care for Heart Health

• Regular Foot Checks: Inspect your feet daily for any swelling, skin changes, sores, or other abnormalities.
• Manage Existing Conditions: Control conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol to reduce your risk of heart disease and foot complications.
• Stay Active: Regular exercise, including walking, improves circulation.
• Seek Professional Help: If you notice any concerning changes in your feet or have existing foot problems, consult a podiatrist for evaluation and treatment.

Contact the outstanding staff at My Chicago Foot Expert by calling (773) 561-8100 or by clicking here to book an appointment with Cook County podiatrist Stavros O. Alexopoulos, DPM, in our modern, comfortable Ravenswood location today.