Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for approximately 18 million deaths annually.
Cardiovascular diseases include conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system, such as stroke, coronary heart disease, and heart failure. Sometimes these conditions may not show any signs or symptoms until they are very advanced, which is why cardiovascular diseases are called the “silent killer.”
Many of us are aware of some of the more common symptoms, such as chest pain. However, others are less well-known and less obvious.
According to some health experts, some warning signs of cardiovascular disease can appear in the feet.
More specifically, these symptoms are telltale signs of peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a common cardiovascular disease in which the buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood flow to the leg muscles.
The Cleveland Clinic explains that a "burning pain" in your feet and toes while at rest may be a sign of peripheral artery disease.
This is most likely to happen at night when lying in bed. You may also have sores on your toes that don't heal, as well as your feet feeling cold to the touch.
However, the first sign is often pain, cramping, or discomfort in your legs or buttocks that occurs when you are active.
The main signs of peripheral artery disease include:
- Coldness in the lower leg or foot, especially when compared to the other leg or foot
- Numbness or weakness in the leg
- Absence or weakness of pulse in the legs or feet
- Painful cramps in the muscles of the hips, thighs, or calves, or both, after certain activities, such as walking or climbing stairs.
- Shiny legs
- Changes in the color of the skin of the legs
- Slow growth of toenails
- Sores that do not heal on the toes, feet, or legs
- Feeling pain when using the arms, such as feeling aching and painful cramps when knitting, writing, or performing other manual tasks
- Erectile dysfunction
- Leg hair loss or slow hair growth
Symptoms of peripheral artery disease often develop slowly, over time. If they develop quickly, or suddenly get worse, it may be a sign of a serious problem that requires immediate treatment.
Early detection of peripheral artery disease is important in order to start the right treatments before the disease becomes severe enough to lead to complications such as a heart attack or stroke.
In extreme cases, people with peripheral artery disease may need to undergo amputation, but this is not necessary if it is treated quickly.
To reduce your risk of peripheral artery disease, experts recommend:
- Exercise regularly
- Non-smoking
- Follow a healthy diet
- Lose weight, if you are overweight or obese.
- Moderation in alcohol consumption