That’s exactly why the CDC recommends that you get regularly screened for chronic conditions that lead to serious coronary events—before you pass a point of no return. In particular, some experts are sounding the alarm about peripheral artery disease (PAD), which currently affects 6.5 million Americans over the age of 40. In those with PAD, a buildup of fatty plaques causes narrowed or blocked arteries, which can ultimately lead to heart attack or stroke. And, the Mayo Clinic says that the key to spotting this condition may be to pay close attention to changes in the feeling in your legs. Read on to learn which strange symptom to look out for, and to find out when you should call the doctor. RELATED: Half of Cardiac Arrest Sufferers Notice These Symptoms Days Earlier, Study Says. Having chronically cold legs could indicate heart disease.
If you frequently notice “coldness in your lower leg or foot, especially when compared with the other side,” the Mayo Clinic says that this could be due to poor circulation resulting from blocked arteries. For this reason, their experts warn that you should “not dismiss [this symptom] as a normal part of aging.” “These deposits are made up of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium and fibrin (a clotting material in the blood),” the American Heart Association (AHA) explains. “As plaque builds up, the wall of the blood vessel thickens. This narrows the channel within the artery—reducing blood flow. That lessens the amount of oxygen and other nutrients reaching the body.” Ultimately, if blood flow to the heart is interrupted, it can result in a heart attack. Similarly, if a clot forms in these narrow arteries and restricts blood flow to the brain, it can result in a stroke. RELATED: If You Have This in Your Blood, You’re 42 Percent More Likely to Have a Heart Attack. Plaque buildup can occur in any blood vessels, but it’s most common in the legs.
According to the CDC, “PAD can happen in any blood vessel, but it is more common in the legs than the arms.” For many people, this blockage in the lower extremities can contribute to difficulty walking, chronic leg pain, or numbness. However, not everyone develops PAD in the legs. “Where plaque develops, and the type of artery affected, varies with each person. Plaque may partially or totally block blood flow through large- or medium-sized arteries in the heart, brain, pelvis, legs, arms or kidneys,” says the AHA. In addition to causing peripheral artery disease, blockages in these other bodily areas can lead to coronary heart disease, angina, carotid artery disease, or even chronic kidney disease, the organization says.ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb Look out for these other signs that heart disease is affecting your blood vessels.
If you suffer from a coronary event, your symptoms may differ based on the underlying cause, the Mayo Clinic explains. If your heart condition is the result of compromised blood vessel—as in the case of peripheral artery disease—you may notice chest pain, chest tightness, shortness of breath, numbness or weakness in your extremities, or pain in the neck, jaw, throat, or abdomen in addition to a cold sensation in your legs or arms. For more health news sent directly to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter. This is when to call the doctor.
Experts from the Mayo Clinic say that if you do experience any of the symptoms above, you should contact your medical provider immediately. However, even if you don’t experience any symptoms of PAD, you may still request a screening if you are over the age of 65, over 50 with a history of diabetes or smoking, or under 50 with a history of diabetes and other PAD risk factors, including obesity or high blood pressure. The American Heart Association warns that smoking, having high cholesterol, and having elevated levels of triglycerides in your blood are additional risk factors. Committing to exercise, quitting smoking, and managing chronic conditions such as hypertension, high cholesterol, or diabetes can all lower your risk of a coronary event resulting from PAD. RELATED: If You Notice This When You’re Walking, Your Heart May Be in Trouble.