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February is American Heart Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about cardiovascular health. While most people associate heart disease with symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, your skin can also provide important clues about your heart health. In fact, certain skin signs may reveal early warnings, helping you take proactive steps towards heart health.
Blue or Purple Skin (Cyanosis)
If your skin, lips, or nails appear blue or purple, it could be a sign that your body isn’t getting enough oxygen-rich blood. This condition, known as cyanosis, may indicate:
- Poor circulation due to heart disease
- Congenital heart defects
- Blood clots or blocked vessels
Swollen Legs, Feet, or Ankles
Chronic swelling in the lower limbs, known as edema, can be linked to heart-related issues, such as heart failure or poor circulation. When the heart struggles to pump blood efficiently, fluid can build up in the body, leading to noticeable swelling. Over time, this can lead to red-brown discoloration of the lower legs, which is known as stasis dermatitis.
Yellowish or Waxy Bumps (Xanthomas)
Raised, yellowish patches or bumps on the skin, particularly around the eyes, elbows, knees, or hands, are called xanthomas. These fatty deposits can be a sign of high cholesterol, which increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
Unexplained Red or Purple Spots (Livedo Reticularis)
A lace-like purplish pattern on the skin, especially on the legs, could indicate poor circulation or blood vessel inflammation. This condition, known as livedo reticularis, is sometimes linked to vascular diseases or autoimmune conditions that impact the heart.
Clubbing of the Fingernails
If the tips of your fingers appear enlarged and the nails curve downward, it could be a sign of clubbing, a condition that may indicate chronic heart or lung disease. Clubbing is often associated with low oxygen levels in the blood, which can result from congenital heart defects or heart failure.
Dark, Velvety Patches of Skin (Acanthosis Nigricans)
Thickened, darkened, velvety skin on the neck, armpits, or groin may suggest insulin resistance, a key risk factor for diabetes and heart disease. If you notice these skin changes, it’s important to check your blood sugar and cardiovascular health.
Splinter Hemorrhages Under the Nails
Tiny red or brown streaks under the nails, called splinter hemorrhages, can sometimes be a sign of endocarditis, an infection of the heart valves. While these marks can also result from minor trauma, persistent or widespread occurrences should be evaluated by a doctor.
Taking Action for Your Heart & Skin Health
If you notice any of these skin changes, it’s important to consult both a dermatologist and a cardiologist. While some skin conditions have benign causes, others could signal underlying heart issues that require medical attention.
This American Heart Month, take a moment to check your skin—it might just be telling you something important about your heart!
Would you like to schedule a skin check or discuss any concerns? Call us at 719-355-1585 or book an appointment online with one of our trusted dermatology professionals today.
Daniel DiBlasi, DO is a board-certified dermatologist who practices general and surgical dermatology in Colorado Springs and Pueblo. His interests are diagnosing and treating skin cancer, as well as general dermatology and complex medical dermatology.
