By Dr. Sarah Voelkel
Special to NKyTribune
Your foot and leg pain can be related to heart disease. In honor of the many men and women who are diagnosed with heart disease, we thought we’d talk about the connection between the feet and heart.
Coronary artery disease is narrowing of the arteries in the heart where peripheral artery disease (PAD) is narrowing of the arteries in the extremities and feet. PAD is very common in people with coronary artery disease.
Hardened, narrowed arteries (atherosclerosis) are due to plaque buildup along the arterial wall. The plaque consists of fats, cholesterol, and other substances.
Dr. Sarah Voelkel
When there is severe reduction in blood flow or complete blockage, there is tissue damage or death. In the heart, this is considered a heart attack. In the feet and legs, this can be limb-threatening where you are at risk of toe, foot or partial leg amputation.
Signs of PAD in the lower extremities or feet:
– Diminished or absent hair growth
– Dry, thin, atrophic skin
– Nail changes (thick, may be discolored, brittle)
– Pain and/or cramping in the feet and legs with walking, even short distances (symptoms usually resolve with rest but return with activity)
– Cold, numb feet and toes
– Slow healing wounds
– When you begin to have foot pain at rest, the PAD is advanced and more severe
The most common and simple way that we test for PAD is with an ankle/brachial index evaluation. This is a non-invasive test that uses blood pressure cuffs on the arms, legs, and feet to measure the arterial pressure of blood flow. The readings indicate whether there is reduced or blocked blood flow to the extremities.
It is very important to have your feet frequently examined by a podiatrist. Do not self-treat calluses, corns or other foot conditions. Referral to a vascular specialist is necessary with PAD as there may be the need for certain medications to avoid blood clotting around the plaque build-up and possible need for intervention to remove plaque and possible stent placement.
Ways to prevent or manage PAD:
– See your primary care specialist regularly, especially if you have a family history of coronary heart disease or PAD. This can allow early diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure or high cholesterol as well.
– If you have been prescribed medication for high blood pressure or high cholesterol or medication to prevent clot formation such as aspirin or Plavix, then you need to be sure to take these as prescribed.
– Incorporate a healthy diet that is low in sodium and sugar. Eat more fresh fruit and vegetables.
– Exercise daily. It is recommended that you get 30 minutes of physical exercise at least five days a week.
– If you are a smoker, you need to quit smoking. Talk to your primary care physician about how you can safely quit.
If you are concerned that you may have PAD, please contact a podiatrist and have your feet checked by a specialist.
Dr. Sarah Voelkel is a foot and ankle surgeon at Lexington Podiatry and the Kentucky Heal Pain Center.
