Top 10 Warning Signs of Heart Disease That Appear on Your Skin

Most of us already know some of the common risk factors of heart disease, including high blood pressure, smoking, high cholesterol, and physical inactivity. But what most don’t know is that there are warning signs that can appear on your skin (another great reason to see a dermatologist regularly!). Here are the most common ways your skin can clue you into bigger problems:

1. Yellow-orange waxy growths. You may notice painless, yellowish-orange bumps or growths on the skin. These growths can be anywhere on the body but are often around the backs of the lower legs, in the corner of the eyes, or in the lines of your palms. These growths are deposits of cholesterol that are building up under your skin. Your dermatologist can treat these growths but you will likely need cholesterol testing and additional follow-up with your primary care provider.

2. Clusters of waxy bumps that suddenly appear. The sudden appearance of bumps that resemble a rash, warts or the contagious molluscom contagiosum signal an increase in your cholesterol levels or possibly diabetes. The bumps are fatty deposits of cholesterol caused by increasingly high levels of triglycerides in the blood. Treatment to lower the triglycerides and treat potentially serious heart conditions is important.

3. Blue or purple color to the skin. When your blood isn’t getting enough oxygen, it can cause your skin to turn blue or purple signaling a blockage in a blood vessel in that area. If left untreated, the skin and underlying tissue can die from the lack of oxygen being pumped to that vessel.

4. Rash and cracked, swollen lips that often bleed. Cracked, swollen and bleeding lips, rash, or a fever in children between the ages of 6 months to 5 years old can be a sign of Kawasaki disease. This disease affects the blood vessels and leads to inflammation of the coronary arteries. If treated within 10 days of symptom onset, most children recover without serious problems, however it can lead to heart disease if left untreated.

5. Red or purple lines under the fingernails. Resembling a splinter, this is not typically a case for alarm. However, if accompanied by a high fever and a weak or irregular heartbeat, it can signal a serious heart condition.

6. Painful lumps in your fingers, toes, or both. If you have an infection in your heart or blood vessels known as infective endocarditis, painful lumps called Olser nodes can form in your toes, fingers, or often times both places. These nodes can last for a few hours or for several days and typically go away on their own, but in extreme cases may need to be surgically removed. While Osler nodes don’t require treatment, the infection that causes them must be treated by antibiotics.

7. Red or Brown discoloration on the soles of the feet or plans of the hand. Those with an infection in the heart or blood vessels can develop spots on the bottom of one or both feet like the infection that causes infective endocarditis. Unlike Osler nodules, these spots are painless. These spots don’t require treatment and will clear on their own in a few days or weeks, however the infection requires treatment.

8. Nails that curve downward and the ends of the finger are swollen. You may have a lung problem, heart disease or heart infection if you suffer from swollen fingertips or if your fingernails curve downward, often referred to as clubbing.

9. Non-itchy rash and fever. The rash is described as flat spots with raised edges accompanied by a fever. If your child develops strep throat, treating it quickly is important. When not treated, strep can lead to Rheutmatic fever. Rheumatic fever is uncommon in the United States today, but it is common in developing countries and is the leading cause of heart disease in children.

10. Swelling in the lower legs and feet. Many heart diseases can cause fluid to build up in the feet and lower legs causing swelling, that can extend upward to the upper thigh and groin.

Regular visits to your doctor are important and can help detect serious heart and cardiovascular conditions. If you notice any unusual changes or growths on the skin, make an appointment with your dermatologist. Click here to make an appointment with a Baton Rouge General dermatologist.