Signs on the hand warn of unstable heart

Often, people ignore changes in their hands. However, sometimes problems with the palms, fingers, and nails can be a warning sign of heart disease.

Painful lump on finger

Don't ignore hard and painful lumps in yourfingerThese swellings are called Osler's nodes and can be a sign of infective endocarditis – a potentially life-threatening infection.

Endocarditis is usually caused by an infection that occurs when bacteria enter the body and spread through the bloodstream. If left untreated, the heart valves can be permanently damaged.

“Osler nodes form due to inflammation of the blood vessels, which then causes a bacterial infection in the dermis, leading to more inflammation,” explains dermatologist Geeta Yadav, MD.

Osler's nodules can last for a few hours to a few days, and tend to disappear on their own. Even then, you should see a doctor as soon as possible to determine if you have endocarditis. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, and in some cases, surgery.

Red or purple line under the nail

Red or purple lines under your fingernails — called petechiae — can be a sign of heart disease or infection.

"If you have splinter hemorrhages, it could be a sign of something serious," explains Dr. Yadav. "If it's heart disease, those splinter hemorrhages form because bacteria travel through the small blood vessels in the nail. This weakens the vessels and causes bleeding."

Clubbed fingers

Another sign of heart problems is clubbing, with swollen fingertips and curled-in fingernails. This condition is often caused by heart disease or infection of the heart chambers.

Illustration: Researchgate

Associate Professor Beth Goldstein, University of North Carolina (USA), explains: “Clubbed nails can appear from birth, but are most commonly seen in osteoarthritis. If it occurs due to heart disease, the phenomenon begins in the thumb and index finger.”

Palm discoloration

Brown or red palms warn of heart trouble. This symptom is another common sign of a bacterial infection in the heart or surrounding blood vessels.

The discoloration is painless and will likely go away on its own within a few days or weeks. If you notice it, see your doctor to determine if you have a heart infection that requires antibiotics or other treatment.

“With heart disease, making smart choices now will pay off for the rest of your life,” advises Dr. Jennifer Lewey, American Heart Association.

So, get regular checkups, talk to your doctor about your diet and lifestyle, and check your blood pressure, cholesterol, heart rate, blood sugar, and body mass index.