When heart function declines, blood flow slows, and fluid can accumulate in areas such as the feet, ankles, and lower legs, causing swelling called edema. The skin may also turn a blue or purple color, a condition known medically as cyanosis, because the blood isn’t carrying enough oxygen to the skin’s surface. This discoloration signals poor circulation and oxygenation, especially in the extremities.
What Does Your Skin Look Like When You Have Heart Failure?
Sarah had always been attentive to her skin, but recently she noticed swelling in her feet and legs, a bluish tint on her toes, and her nails curving downward. Concerned, she visited her doctor who explained these could be signs of heart failure, a condition where the heart struggles to pump blood effectively, leading to fluid buildup and poor circulation visible on the skin.
Other skin signs linked to heart troubles include
- Net-like purplish patterns (livedo reticularis) caused by blocked arteries,
- Yellowish cholesterol deposits (xanthelasma) typically near the eyes;
- Painful or painless lumps on fingers or toes, which can indicate infections of the heart or blood vessels.
- Nails that curve downward with swollen fingertips (clubbing) may show chronic heart or lung disease.
- Psoriasis, which can present as silvery-white plaques with underlying redness, nail pitting, or psoriatic arthritis is also associated with heart disease.
Read more about skin changes with heart failure here.
Overcoming By Faith
Sarah’s story did not end there. In addition to the medical treatment she received from her doctor, she found comfort in her faith, believing that Jesus, the One who holds the keys to life, could restore her health just as He promises healing for the brokenhearted and the sick. As Psalm 147:3 says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” Sarah clung to this hope, knowing God’s power to restore was greater than any ailment.
Next Steps
Pay attention to your skin, much like Sarah did, you may catch the early warning signs of heart failure or other heart problems. Early detection allows for better management and improved heart health. If you notice any of these signs, consult with your primary care provider or dermatologist., but spiritual healing and assurance are just as vital. With medical care and faith combined, healing begins, inside and out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Heart Problems Cause Skin Problems?
Yes, heart conditions can manifest in several skin changes including red or purple lines under nails (splinter hemorrhages), painful lumps on fingers or toes (Osler nodes), and painless red or purple lesions on hands and feet (Janeway lesions). Chronic conditions like psoriasis also increase heart disease risk by causing systemic inflammation.
Early Facial Signs of Heart Problems
Early signs may include pale or bluish lips and surrounding skin due to poor oxygenation, yellow waxy bumps called xanthelasma around the eyelids indicating high cholesterol, and subtle changes in facial skin tone related to the heartbeat. These signs underscore the importance of attention to facial skin health for cardiovascular awareness.
References
- American Academy of Dermatology Association: Heart disease warning signs on your skin
- https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/heart-disease-warning-signs
- Mohs Skin Cancer Specialists: Skin changes that signal heart problems
- https://mohs-md.com/skin-changes-that-signal-heart-problems/
- National Library of Medicine (PMC): Cutaneous Dermatologic Manifestations of Cardiovascular Disease
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11585482/
- British Journal of Cardiology: Dermatological manifestations of cardiac conditions
- https://bjcardio.co.uk/2022/03/dermatological-manifestations-of-cardiac-conditions/
- Medical News Pedia: Skin signs that could indicate heart disease
- https://mednewspedia.com/skin-signs-that-could-indicate-heart-disease/
