Are Your Feet Sounding the Alarm for Heart Disease?

September 29th is World Heart Day, and its goal is to raise awareness of cardiovascular health and how people can lower their risk for heart disease—the number one killer in the world. At Goldsmith Podiatry, we know your feet can act as an early warning system for heart disease, and we’d like to share with our Manhattan patients the unique role your feet can play in protecting your heart. 

Your heart is responsible for pumping healthy, nutrient-rich blood to all parts of your body. Your heart pumps approximately 2,000 gallons of blood daily. Since your feet are the part of you farthest from the heart, they are often the first to show signs of a decrease in circulation. Below are some signs in your lower extremities that may signal a heart problem.

• Cold feet and legs—even when the rest of your body is warm

• Wounds or sores on the feet that don’t seem to be healing

• Loss of hair on toes, feet, and lower legs

• Cramping in your legs—can occur when walking or at rest

• Numbness or weakness in your legs and feet

• Changes in toenail color or thickness; slower than usual nail growth

• Skin discoloration

How the Podiatrist Can Help

If you notice one or more of the above symptoms in your feet or legs, it’s important you contact our Upper West Side office by calling 212-877-1002 for an appointment. Our podiatrist, Dr. Howard Goldsmith, Dr. Rosanna Troia, and Dr. Kristina Ruff can conduct a simple, non-invasive test to determine if you have a circulation problem in your feet. The foot doctor will also take a complete medical history as several other factors increase your risk for heart diseases such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The podiatrist will work with you and your other doctors to develop a comprehensive plan for managing and reducing heart disease. 

If you have additional questions about heart disease and your feet, contact us today.