5 Heart Disease Symptoms Your Hands UNCOVER
Are you at risk of having a heart attack? One quick look at your hands could warn you in advance, and after this article, you’ll know how to spot the signs.
Research has shown that your hands are one of the best predictors of heart problems, even though many people overlook the unexpected signs. With almost 30% of deaths caused by heart disease—according to statistics from the CDC—there is a heart attack every 40 seconds in the United States. For many people, the warning signs of heart disease aren’t apparent until it’s already too late. Over 60% of people answered in a survey that they think they’ll suffer from heart disease in the next decade, and you could be one of them.
Luckily, your hands provide a few easy-to-spot signs that will warn you of heart disease before it becomes a threat to your health and well-being. While many people can miss these signs, today we’ll show you 5 overlooked signs of heart disease in your hands, and how to easily spot them, prevent heart disease, and stay healthy. Make sure to like, subscribe, and hit the bell while you’re here, so you can learn more about great health and fitness with us!
5. Painful Finger Bumps
If you have lumps on your fingers that are tender, purple, or pink, and hurt to touch, then your health could be at risk. These bumps are called Osler’s nodes, and they are often found on the skin of your fingertips. These lumps could be a sign of infective endocarditis, which is a potentially fatal bacterial inflammation in your cardiovascular system. A medical report explained that Osler’s nodes develop due to blood vessels in the hands being inflamed by bacterial infection.
If you spot or feel lumps on your fingers that hurt to touch, don’t ignore them. They could be a sign of untreated endocarditis, which could cause permanent heart damage. Osler’s nodes often disappear after a few days, but that doesn’t mean it’s harmless. If you notice painful bumps on your fingers, ask your doctor for a skin biopsy or consult a cardiologist. Your heart will thank you.
4. Reddish-brown or purple lines on your nails
If you can see red or purple lines under your nails, then you might have splinter hemorrhages. The lines are caused by damaged blood vessels bleeding under your nails and could signify heart issues. The American Academy of Dermatology Association says that splinter hemorrhages are a tell-tale sign of heart disease. If you see multiple lines on your nails, then you could have a serious health condition
If you notice lines in your nails, seek medical attention right away. According to the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, those lines could be a crucial warning of cardiovascular issues or serious bacterial infection.
3. Fingernails clubbing
You might not be familiar with ‘clubbing’, but it’s actually quite common. Clubbing results when your fingernails are enlarged and bulging, and can also be identified by warm and red fingertips. Clubbing is caused by low blood oxygen and can be a sign of bacterial infection in the heart chamber and valves.
The best fingers to spot clubbing are the thumb and index fingers, and you can check by watching the angle between the nail and the skin right below the nail. Normally, the two should be even, but if the skin below the nail seems to be bulging over the nail, then your fingers are experiencing clubbing. While clubbing develops rapidly, you can fix it by fixing the underlying issues with blood pressure or heart problems. Seek a physician if you notice clubbing.
2. Weak, Tingling, and Waxy Hands
If you feel pain, weakness, or lack of sensation in your hands then you could be suffering from Amyloidosis. This condition is caused by a buildup of the protein amyloid in the heart. These amyloid deposits can then replace heart muscle, causing cardiac Amyloidosis or ‘stiff heart syndrome’. Amyloidosis can cause issues with heart function and an irregular heartbeat.
The symptoms of Cardiac Amyloidosis are caused by slower blood circulation and reduced blood flow to the heart, according to information from the American Heart Association. This reduced blood flow means less oxygen gets to your hands, causing them to feel pain, weak grip, numbness, and a wax-like sensation. Before we talk about the last sign of heart disease, make sure to click the subscribe button for more great articles every day.
1. Colored Spots on the Palms
If you have brown or bluish-red spots on your palms, then you could be experiencing Janeway Lesions. They are caused by blood clots with bacteria, which may lead to infection of the circulatory system. Janeway Lesions often go unnoticed, because they disappear after only a few days. If you spot these colored patches on your palms, talk to a doctor right away. While Janeway Lesions go away fast, the underlying heart problem can still pose a serious health risk.
If you want to prevent heart disease, there are many simple life adjustments that can keep you healthy and safe. A good diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking all reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease. By making healthier life choices and keeping on the lookout for tell-tale signs, you can live without worrying about heart disease ever again.
Are you feeling better about your heart health now? Make sure to like, share, and subscribe to get more great articles. Also, hit the bell icon so you can learn about great health and fitness with us! Thanks for reading!
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