What Your Feet Can Reveal About Heart Health

When most people think about heart problems, symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue usually come to mind. However, your feet can also provide important clues about cardiovascular health. Because the heart and blood vessels are responsible for circulating oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, changes in the feet and ankles can reflect underlying issues with circulation or heart function.

While these signs are not definitive proof of heart disease or an impending heart attack, they can act as early warning indicators—sometimes appearing weeks before more serious cardiac events. Paying attention to your feet may prompt timely medical evaluation and help prevent severe complications.

Cold Feet or Toes

Persistently cold feet or toes, even in warm environments, may signal poor circulation. When the heart is weakened and cannot pump blood efficiently, less blood reaches the extremities. This is especially concerning when it occurs without an obvious cause, like cold weather or temporary exposure.

Swelling in the Feet and Ankles

Swelling, or edema, in the lower legs and feet is a common warning sign of heart problems. If the heart struggles to pump effectively, blood can pool in the veins, causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. This often results in puffiness noticeable at the end of the day or after prolonged standing or sitting. While swelling can also be caused by kidney or liver issues, it is a classic symptom of heart failure.