Early signs of heart disease: Check these on your skin

Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death, as it doesn't show symptoms for years before getting worse. Getting regular checkups is mandatory if you have diabetes, high blood pressure or are obese. Besides symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, skin changes may also indicate an underlying heart condition. It is wise to consult a doctor if you notice these five changes on your skin.

Inflammation on the legs and feet
Inflammation on the legs, feet and limbs may be a symptom of heart disease. Fluids get deposited in the tissues when the heart doesn't pump blood effectively. Inflammation spreads to the legs when the condition worsens. Consult a doctor immediately if you have exhaustion, shortness of breath, and inflammation.

Skin discolouration
Purple or blue colour on the body, especially on the nails or toes, indicates a shortage of oxygen in the blood. The heart would struggle to function properly in this condition called cyanosis. The blood vessels get blocked, and the heart fails to function properly. Lack of blood oxygen could ruin the skin and tissues. This is an emergency that requires immediate medical care.

Yellowish–orange lumps
Small lumps in orange or yellow colour on the corners of the eyes, elbows, knees and the backside of the legs are caused when fat gets deposited due to high cholesterol and triglycerides. These painless lumps indicate high cholesterol and a high risk of heart disease. If you notice such lumps, check your cholesterol levels immediately and seek medical treatment.

Blue or purple net–like pattern on skin
Purple or blue coloured net–like patterns on the skin of the legs are a sign of cholesterol embolisation syndrome. Cholesterol crystal blocks the heart vessels and blood flow, causing the discolouration. This is not a sign of infection or a skin disease, and you should seek immediate treatment as it is related to severe heart disease.

Change in shape of nails
You may have a heart condition or a lung disease if your nails curve downward and the ends of your fingers are swollen. This happens when the blood lacks oxygen.

Red or purple lines under your nails
Red or purple lines under your nails indicate that the small blood vessels have been injured. It is a symptom of a severe heart disease called infective endocarditis. This symptom, which is shown on your skin for a few days, shouldn't be ignored, especially if you have a fever and fatigue.

Lumps on finger and toes
Osler nodes are painful lumps that can develop in your fingers and toes. This happens when you have an infection in your heart or blood vessels. The lumps can last for a few hours to several days. While the lumps may go away on their own, patients should get treatment as it indicates a heart condition. It is better to seek medical attention if you observe these sudden changes on your skin.