Healthy Feet and a Healthy Heart

Most people are aware that a sedentary lifestyle, smoking and eating fatty foods leads to the narrowing of the arteries and blood vessels of  the heart. Over time, this creates a build up of fatty deposits that can reduce and eventually block the flow of blood in those vessels, which can lead to heart attack and stroke. This process is not restricted to the arteries and vessels of the heart, but affects the entire vascular system. Considering that the circulation of the feet and legs is the furthest from the heart, a common side effect and often a precursor to heart attack and stroke is an identical narrowing of the arteries in the feet and legs, known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD). More than one in ten adults suffer from peripheral arterial disease and left untreated, the condition can have serious effects on the feet including increased risk of amputation as well as increased risk of death.

Early diagnosis and treatment of problems with the feet can prevent heart disease and the risk of serious problems to the feet, yet peripheral arterial disease is often undiagnosed and often asymptomatic. People in high-risk categories for developing peripheral arterial disease include smokers; diabetics; people suffering from obesity; a family history of peripheral arterial disease, heart disease and stroke; high blood pressure; high cholesterol; and being older than 50 years of age. If you are at an increased risk of peripheral arterial disease it is important to see a Podiatrist for a check up, as catching the the problem early can be both limb and life-saving.

Leading a healthy lifestyle and taking care of your feet is the best way to avoid disease and limit complications. Eat a varied diet low in saturated fats, exercise regularly and avoid tobacco. These steps alone will lower the the build up of fatty deposits in the arteries , increase the flow of blood and oxygen to your feet, and reduce the risks from narrowed arteries caused by smoking. Take care of your feet by washing them daily in warm soapy water, and check for any sores or symptoms of disease.

Symptoms of Heart-Related Foot Problems

Diagnosis of problems with the feet can prevent heart disease and the risk of serious problems to the feet, including amputation. Yet peripheral arterial disease is often undiagnosed. If you have any of the symptoms of peripheral arterial disease it is important to make an appointment with a Podiatrist or medical professional as soon as possible. The main symptoms are described below:

• Loss of sensation: numbness or weakness in the lower legs and feet are common symptoms of peripheral arterial disease.
• Cramps: cramping in the muscles of the feet and legs can be very painful and are often associated with exercise.
• Cold feet or legs: If you are struggling to warm your feet or legs or find that they are always colder than the rest of your body, this is an indication that your circulation is restricted. This is particularly worrying for heart health if one leg is noticeably colder than the other.
• Persistent wounds: sores on the legs, feet or toes that fail to heal indicate peripheral arterial disease. Wounds that fail to heal are a sign that blood isn’t circulating well enough to promote new cell growth.
• Colour differences: If part of the feet or legs changes colour this could be an indication that blood flow is reduced to those areas.
• Slow growth of hair and nails: less hair than usual and slow growing toenails are both symptoms of peripheral arterial disease.
• Skin changes: shiny skin on the legs is a  symptom of peripheral arterial disease.
• Weak pulse: the absence of a pulse or a very weak pulse in the toes, feet or legs indicates that blood flow is definitely restricted.

Top Five Tips to Avoid Heart- Related Foot Problems

Most diseases are avoidable by leading a healthy lifestyle, and in the case of peripheral arterial disease, lifestyle changes can be the key to saving a leg or escaping premature death. Listed below are the five main points that can be controlled without medical intervention to prevent serious foot problems including painful cramps, wounds that fail to heal and amputation, as well the prevention of heart attack and stroke.

1. Quit Smoking: smoking narrows the arteries, making it more difficult for the blood to circulate to the feet and legs. Quitting can both prevent disease and make existing disease easier to fight.
2. Maintain blood glucose levels: people with diabetes should keep blood glucose levels under control.
3. Get your BMI down: exercise regularly and keep your BMI below 30. Obesity is a serious risk factor for peripheral arterial disease and keeping the weight off will go a long way towards preventing disease.
4. Normalise blood pressure: avoid triggers that increase your blood pressure, whether they be dietary, stress or other. High blood pressure increases the risk for both heart disease and peripheral arterial disease.
5. Lower cholesterol levels: high blood cholesterol levels increase the chances that fatty deposits will collect in narrowed arteries, making arteries even narrower and reducing the flow of blood to the legs and feet.

If you or a family member suffers from any of these symptoms, it is advisable to contact your Podiatrist or doctor to discuss and assess your situation. Please contact us for an appointment.

This information is based on materials supplied by the Australian Podiatry Association (SA).