If You Notice This on Your Body Have Your Heart Checked

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, killing 659,000 people a year—with coronary heart disease being the most common type of heart disease. According to the CDC, someone has a heart attack every 40 seconds, adding up to over 800,000 heart attacks a year. While certain symptoms of heart disease (for example, chest pain and shortness of breath) are fairly well-known, there are other more surprising indicators that an underlying medical issue is present. If you notice any of these on your body, have your heart checked (read on)—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don't miss these Sure Signs You've Already Had COVID.

Blue skin and lips (cyanosis) may be a sign of heart disease, with the blue color being a result of a lack of oxygen in the blood or poor circulation. 

Clubbing of the fingers or toes may be another sign of heart issues, indicating that oxygenated blood is not reaching the fingers. "It's one of the first things they teach you at medical school," says Professor David Bonthron of the Leeds Institute of Molecular Medicine. "You shake the patient by the hand, and take a good look at their fingers in the process."6254a4d1642c605c54bf1cab17d50f1e

Research shows that loose teeth and inflamed gums cause inflammation which could possibly lead to heart attacks and strokes. "The bacteria that live in your mouth when you have gum disease can cross into your bloodstream, enter the heart, and directly infect the vulnerable heart valves," says Marietta Ambrose, MD, MPH, FACC, Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine. "That's especially concerning in our patients who have artificial heart valves."

A diagonal earlobe crease—also known as Frank's Crease or Frank's Sign—could be a sign of coronary heart disease. Multiple studies have shown an association with Frank's Crease and thickening or hardening of the arteries (known as atherosclerosis).

Waxy bumps that suddenly appear on skin (known as eruptive xanthomatosis) could be an indicator of dangerously high cholesterol in the blood and a possible sign of heart disease. These clusters can appear anywhere on the body, including shoulders, arms, legs, buttocks, and around the eyes. See a doctor if you have these symptoms, and to protect your life and the lives of others, don't visit any of these 35 Places You're Most Likely to Catch COVID.