Do Your Feet Hold Clues to Possible Heart Problems?

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is an accumulation of plaque and cholesterol in the arteries that connect to your extremities. It can cause discomfort in your feet and legs and limit your activities and walking. Because February is American Heart Month, today Dr. Ross Cohen of The Foot & Ankle Center of Maryland in Anne Arundel County, Maryland is sharing how your feet could be signaling a problem with your heart.

Here are some things to keep in mind regarding PAD.

Genetic testing can offer false positives. If you’ve been offered “comprehensive” testing/screening offered by for-profit companies, surgical or interventional groups, at community events, it’s not your best option. You’re better off seeing your primary care doctor who knows you best. There are no proven benefits to genetic testing, and it can have unexpected concerns, such as false-positive test results that can increase your risk for other unnecessary, invasive procedures.

Signs of a problem. We have found that people whose legs get tired easily, have trouble walking distances because of cramps, or are painful should be tested for PAD. This includes past or current smokers or anyone who has a family history of PAD or other symptoms of the disease.

The easiest test. The easiest way to test for PAD is to have your podiatrist check the pulses in your feet. There should be two pulses in each foot that are easily identified by a trained professional. This test is utilized to determine if the blood flow to your feet is normal.

PAD can affect the entire body. You need to remember that when plaque builds up in your arteries, it affects the arteries all over the body. So, if you have PAD, you have a higher risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Lifestyle changes, including stopping smoking and medications are important for patients who have a sign of a decrease in the blood flow in their feet and legs.