What are the surprising physical signs of heart disease? Do swollen feet, male pattern baldness, yellow skin bumps, and gum disease indicate heart problems? Get the answers and learn how to identify early warning signs of heart failure.

Swelling of the Feet and Lower Legs

Retention of fluid in the feet and legs, known as peripheral edema, can cause “sock marks” on your legs and ankles at the end of the day, especially if you wear tight socks or hosiery. Mild peripheral edema is common, but your doctor may check for this sign by pressing a finger against your ankle or shin bone to see if a depression or dent is left behind, which is called “pitting edema.” This could indicate congestive heart failure, as fluid tends to leak out of blood vessels into surrounding tissues when the heart is not pumping effectively.

While peripheral edema can have many causes, Dr. Orringer explains that “most people with peripheral edema do not have heart disease, but it could be an important sign if there are other signs and symptoms of heart failure.”

Male Pattern Baldness

Studies have confirmed a link between male pattern baldness and an increased risk of heart disease. Compared to men with a full head of hair, those with crown loss have a 23% higher risk of heart disease, and men with complete loss of hair on the top of their head have a 36% increased risk.

The combination of hair loss, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol further pushes the risk higher. This may be due to the influence of the male hormone testosterone, which interferes with hair growth on the head and also causes hardening of the arteries. However, Dr. Orringer cautions that “that doesn’t mean you are doomed to heart disease if you are bald, but it does suggest you should be screened more carefully for other signs and symptoms of heart disease.”

Yellow Bumps on the Skin

Fatty deposits called xanthomas can appear as small yellow bumps or flat, wide plaques on the skin, often on the elbows, knees, hands, feet, or buttocks. A type of xanthoma called xanthelasma palpebrarum appears on the eyelids.

These yellow deposits can potentially indicate high levels of fats, such as triglycerides or cholesterol, in the blood. “Xanthomas may be a sign of a rare, inherited type of blood disorder in which high levels of triglycerides accumulate in the blood. Xanthomas may also be a sign of increased cholesterol, and they may disappear once cholesterol levels are under control,” says Dr. Orringer.

Gum Disease

Swollen, sore, or bleeding gums are usually a sign of poor oral hygiene, but may also be an important sign of heart disease. “The association between gum disease and heart disease is the real deal,” says Dr. Orringer. “There is plenty of research available now that backs up this connection.”

Gum disease and heart disease may be linked because they are both signs of poor circulation, or there could be common bacteria involved in both gum disease and plaque buildup inside coronary arteries. The link may also have something to do with the body’s response to prolonged inflammation. Maintaining good oral hygiene may help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Emotional Stress

A condition called takotsubo cardiomyopathy, or “broken heart syndrome,” can occur due to extreme emotional stress, grief, or loss, especially in women. In this case, surging stress hormones, particularly adrenaline, trigger cardiac pain that feels a lot like a heart attack, with symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, and flushing.

However, unlike a real heart attack, the arteries are not blocked. This potentially serious and often overlooked condition is more common in women than in men, with men making up only 10% of diagnosed cases.

Early Signs of Heart Failure

Heart failure means the heart is not functioning as well as it should, but it doesn’t mean the heart has completely failed. Some early warning signs of heart failure may include:

• Weight Gain: If your heart starts to fail and fluid builds up in your tissue, causing edema, you might see a sudden weight gain.
• Frequent Urination: Heart failure may cause decreased blood flow to the kidneys, leading to fluid retention and more frequent urination.
• Cataracts: Studies show that people with cataracts are at higher risk for heart disease, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, although the exact cause of this relationship is not known.

Remember, while these physical signs can be important indicators of potential heart problems, Dr. Orringer emphasizes that “most people with peripheral edema do not have heart disease.” It’s important to consult with your doctor to fully evaluate your overall health and risk factors.

Recognizing the Early Warning Signs

By being aware of these surprising physical signs, you can be proactive in seeking medical attention and addressing any underlying heart health issues. Don’t hesitate to speak with your doctor if you notice any of these signs, as early detection and intervention can make a significant difference in managing and preventing heart disease.