Not Sore, Beware Of Foot Pain Becomes An Early Sign Of Heart Disease

Illustration of leg pain (Photo: Freepik/Freepik)

JAKARTA - Changes that occur in the legs are sometimes taken lightly, such as muscle aches, sores due to walking far away, or aging effects. However, research shows certain changes in the legs can be a sign of problems in blood vessels. This is closely related to the risk of heart disease.

Reporting from the Times of India page, a study published in the journal Circulation examined more than 14,000 people with peripheral arterial disease (Peripheral Artery Disease/PAD).

As a result, those who experience narrowing of blood vessels in their legs have a much higher risk of heart attacks within 30 months compared to people who do not have PAD.

These findings show that symptoms in the legs can be an early sign of heart and blood vessel problems, so early examination is very important.

Why Are Symptoms In The Feet A Sign Of Heart Problems?

When the blood vessels in the legs narrow or congested, the same process often occurs in the heart's blood vessels. The initial symptoms can be pain, severe feeling, cramps, or weakness in the calf and thighs while walking. This condition is known as intermittent claudication.

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), PAD is often undetected, even though the risk to heart disease is the same as those who have had previous heart attacks.

Pain, tingling, numbness, or leg injuries that are difficult to heal should not be ignored. These symptoms can be a sign of overall disruption to the blood vessel system.

Blood flow that is reduced to the leg due to arterial narrowing illustrates the presence of systemic arterial disease. The same process can occur in the heart, thereby increasing the risk of a heart attack.

Several studies have also shown that people with PAD are at risk of experiencing various types of heart attacks, both caused by direct blockages and due to supply imbalances and oxygen needs in the heart.

In other words, symptoms in the leg can be an early warning signal. Realizing it from the start can help a person get medical examinations and treatment faster before conditions develop more seriously.

If you feel pain, tingling, color change, or wound that is difficult to heal in the leg, you should immediately consult a doctor. Doctors may suggest blood vessel examinations or medication such as the use of statin or antiplatelet drugs to help promote blood circulation.

Feet are early to see your heart health condition. By recognizing early signs and acting quickly, you can prevent more serious complications, improve blood flow, and maintain heart health in the long term.