Foot Fitness and Heart Health
While your feet and heart are quite far apart, they share a surprisingly close connection. Despite the distance, your feet and their general health can offer valuable insights into your cardiovascular system, providing early warnings of potential heart problems and circulatory concerns.
NY Foot Health knows how better blood flow and fitter feet can make a major difference to overall health. Understanding the links empowers patients to take proactive steps for a healthier future, so we’ve written this blog post to help you do just that!
From Toes to Ticker
The conditions listed below can be detected early via their connection to your lower extremity health.
Peripheral artery disease (PAD): This condition, characterized by narrowed arteries in the legs and feet, often co-exists with coronary artery disease, which affects the arteries supplying blood to the heart. In fact, studies suggest that up to 80% of people with PAD also have coronary artery disease, highlighting its significance as a warning sign.
Foot ulcers: Chronic wounds on the feet, particularly for diabetics, can indicate poor blood circulation, a symptom of underlying cardiovascular issues. Early detection and management of foot ulcers are crucial to prevent amputation and potentially life-threatening complications (Diabetes Care, 2023).
Edema (swelling): Fluid buildup in the feet and ankles can point to heart failure, where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively. Recognizing and reporting this symptom promptly allows for timely diagnosis and treatment of heart failure.
Standard Steps
You’re not without options when it comes to managing the conditions above. In fact, you can check out a few solid options for management and prevention below!
Numbness, tingling, pain, or discoloration in your feet and legs could signal poor circulation, so don't ignore these signs.
Consult your podiatrist for regular checkups, especially if you have diabetes or other risk factors for heart disease.
Managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels, along with regular exercise and a healthy diet, are crucial for both foot and heart health.
Simultaneously boosting your heart health and foot health is always a good idea, so if you have any additional questions, contact your podiatrist! And if you don’t have one, use our online directory to find a DPM nearby. You can also contact us to subscribe to our free e-newsletter.