Heart diseases can cause characteristic changes in appearance. It is often through these changes that doctors receive clues about the condition of a patient's cardiovascular system long before a diagnosis is made.
Many are surprised that the heart, hidden deep within the chest, can change appearance. How our eyes, lips, hands, and feet can tell us about the health of the main motor of the human body was explained by Valentina Baidina — a leading cardiologist and therapist.
1. Cyanosis
Cyanosis is a condition in which the skin takes on a bluish tint. Most often, the bluishness first appears on the lips, but it can then spread to other areas: fingers, the tip of the nose, and the ear lobes.
The symptom occurs when, due to impaired pumping function of the heart, oxygen-poor venous blood accumulates in the tissues. This happens in heart failure and a number of heart defects — whether congenital or acquired.
2. Facial redness
Flushing can occasionally appear in anyone, including completely healthy individuals. However, when redness on the face is almost constant, it may indirectly indicate hypertension. This is especially true if the redness of the skin is accompanied by frequent headaches, dizziness, and pulsation in the temples.
The phenomenon of "mitral butterfly" is specifically noted — a characteristic blush of a pinkish-plum color that occurs in the area of the bridge of the nose, the wings of the nose, and the cheeks. This is a typical sign of mitral stenosis — a cardiological defect in which the opening between the left atrium and ventricle narrows.
3. Swelling of the neck veins
In a healthy person, the jugular veins in the neck are hardly noticeable. However, with heart problems, they can become enlarged, and their pulsation becomes visible to the naked eye. This may indicate reduced function of the right chambers of the heart, for example, in right ventricular heart failure.
In patients with this diagnosis, blood begins to move less effectively to the lungs and stagnates in the systemic circulation. Pressure in the central veins increases, and the jugular veins become prominent and bulging.
4. Changes in the shape of fingers and nails
Disruptions in heart function can be reflected in changes in the appearance of the hands. For example, when the fingers thicken at the tips ("clubbed fingers" syndrome), and the nails curve and take on the shape of "watch glasses." This occurs when tissues are deprived of oxygen for a long time due to impaired blood circulation.
The changes develop gradually and are more common in congenital heart defects or severe diseases that are accompanied by persistent oxygen deprivation.
5. Swelling of the legs
Heart problems often manifest as swelling in the legs. They can be localized in the area of the feet, shins, and ankles. Swelling often worsens in the evening (for example, leaving marks from elastic bands when a person takes off their socks before bed).
The symptom occurs when the heart fails to pump blood effectively, for instance, in heart failure, ischemic heart disease, or valve defects. As a result, blood begins to stagnate in the venous system, and fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, accumulating in the lower extremities.
6. Abdominal swelling (ascites)
In severe heart dysfunction, fluid can accumulate not only in the legs but also in the abdominal cavity. This condition is called ascites. The abdomen gradually increases in volume, and a feeling of heaviness and discomfort appears. The patient may also experience shortness of breath due to pressure from the abdomen on the diaphragm.
7. Pale skin
Another characteristic symptom is pronounced paleness of the skin and mucous membranes. This occurs when the heart pumps blood insufficiently effectively, and blood flow to the skin decreases. The body has to redistribute blood flow: a larger portion goes to vital organs, while peripheral tissues receive less oxygen. Paleness in heart diseases is usually accompanied by rapid fatigue and shortness of breath.
Not just the heart...
It is important to understand that a diagnosis cannot be made based solely on changes in appearance. Cyanosis of the skin, swelling, and facial redness can manifest not only in heart diseases but also in respiratory diseases, kidney diseases, or metabolic disorders. Therefore, if any suspicious symptoms arise, it is best to consult a doctor immediately and undergo an examination. This will help determine the exact cause of the changes and start treatment in a timely manner.
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