Your feet can reveal early signs of heart trouble. While not a diagnosis, symptoms like coldness, swelling, or pain may signal poor circulation or cardiovascular issues. Experts warn that noticing these changes early “can prompt medical attention and possibly prevent more serious outcomes.”

Cold feet or toes, especially in warm environments, may mean “poor blood flow due to a weakened heart.” When the heart can’t pump efficiently, warm blood doesn’t reach the extremities.

Swelling in the feet and ankles may occur from “fluid retention associated with heart failure.” Persistent or worsening swelling without clear cause deserves attention.

Discoloration—bluish, purplish, or pale tones—can also indicate “reduced oxygen or blood flow,” often linked to circulation problems.

Other warning signs include numbness, tingling, or burning sensations, which could signal peripheral artery disease (PAD), increasing heart disease risk. Slow-healing foot wounds may show chronic circulation issues, especially in diabetics.

Lastly, “pain or cramping in the feet or calves while walking—known as claudication—is a significant red flag.” It suggests narrowed arteries and poor blood flow. Anyone with these symptoms should seek medical advice, as early treatment of high blood pressure or cholesterol “can be life-saving.”