How Your Feet Could Be Signaling Heart Problems and Clogged Arteries

Your feet might not be the first place you think of when you hear “heart health”, but they can tell you a lot about your cardiovascular system. Symptoms in your feet like pain, numbness, or swelling, could be indicative of serious heart problems or clogged arteries. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are two serious types of atherosclerosis that might manifest in your feet and signal restricted blood flow from plaque in your arteries.¹

Understanding Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Peripheral artery disease is when plaque build-up leads to clogged arteries, causing significant discomfort and limited mobility in your extremities (usually your legs and feet). According to the Cleveland Clinic, PAD leads to leg and foot pain, cramping, and in severe cases progress, limb loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms like difficulty standing for long periods or having frequent leg cramps, you should seek medical screening for PAD.

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Testing for Clogged Arteries