Signs of heart disease on the legs and arms occur when blood vessels narrow

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Shortness of breath and chest pressure are well-known symptoms of coronary heart disease. But you may have signs of the disease in your legs and arms.

Ischemic heart disease is a form of heart disease that is one of the leading causes of death. This is when the blood supply to the heart is restricted, when the blood vessels that lead to the heart – the coronary arteries – are narrowed due to the accumulation of fatty substances. Several signs in your legs and arms can indicate this condition.

One of the signs that can occur in your legs and arms is numbness. Numbness in the leg is often caused by a narrowing of the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the extremities, known as peripheral artery disease (PAD). This can be a strong sign that you have, or may have, a problem with the artery that leads to the heart.

People with CAD have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease.

CAD also can lead to a heart attack or stroke if the arteries to the extremities become completely blocked, as this restricts blood supply to other vital areas of your body, such as the heart and brain.

Other signs in your legs and arms include weakness or coldness. Problems with the heart can also be determined visually by the limbs. The cold can also be accompanied by a bluish or purple tinge to the legs – this is known as blue toe syndrome. This could be a sign that your blood is not getting enough oxygen. Swelling of the feet and lower legs is another sign that your heart is not working properly.