There is a sign visible on people’s ankles that indicates they may have heart disease, according to health experts.
Heart disease is a condition where the supply of blood to the heart is blocked or disrupted. While in some cases the condition is manageable, in others it proves to be fatal.
Just like every ailment and illness, there are several signs and symptoms which can indicate the early presence of the disease.
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Heart and circulatory diseases are among the biggest killers across the globe and according to the Iish Heart Foundation, approximately 9,000 people die each year from cardiovascular disease – including coronary heart disease, stroke and other circulatory diseases.
With early diagnosis vital for long-term survival, it is crucial to look out for signs of the condition so appropriate action can be taken.
The body can cleverly send you a range of warning signals when it is not in full health, and with heart disease, one of these signs is present when someone takes off their socks and shoes.
If, when you take socks off, there are sock marks left on the ankles this can be a sign of peripheral oedema.
Peripheral oedema is the medical term for water retention in the feet and legs, and this causes them to swell - it’s also a sign of problems with the heart.
As a result, if someone is wearing socks, this will cause those socks to leave marks on the skin.
Peripheral oedema can be a sign of one the most dangerous forms of heart disease, heart failure.
When the heart is not pumping as efficiently as it should, fluid can leak out from the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissue.
Although most people who have peripheral oedema don’t have heart disease, it can be a sign of cardiovascular problems.
Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists say: “Persistent problems with oedema could be a sign that your heart isn’t functioning properly. A more serious cause of peripheral oedema is congestive heart failure, a condition in which your heart is too weak to pump blood efficiently.”
Heart failure can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- A persistent cough
- Wheezing
- Bloating
- Loss of appetite
- Weight gain
- Weight loss
- Confusion
- A fast heart rate
- Heart palpitations
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