How can nail problems indicate heart issues?

Nails often become a unique mirror of a person's health. Doctors note that their condition can indicate not only vitamin deficiencies or skin problems, but also the functioning of the cardiovascular system. Some changes in nail plates may signal hidden heart and vascular disorders.

One of the alarming signs is a bluish tint of the nails. When the body doesn't receive enough oxygen due to circulatory problems, nail plates can become blue or purple. This phenomenon often accompanies chronic heart and lung diseases.

Another possible symptom is excessive convexity of nails, when they begin to resemble the shape of watch glasses. In medicine, this condition is called "clubbing." It is associated with long-term oxygen deficiency in tissues, which may indicate cardiac pathologies.

White spots or lines on nails sometimes indicate circulation problems. If they appear together with brittleness and slowed growth, it's worth paying attention to vascular function.

Characteristic changes also include thickening of nail plates, their slow growth, or excessive paleness. In some cases, pale nails are accompanied by weakness and dizziness, which may be related to insufficient blood supply and decreased hemoglobin levels.

It's important to remember that these signs themselves are not a diagnosis. Changes in nails can be the result of many factors - from nutrition and stress to chronic diseases. However, if unusual symptoms persist for a long time, it's worth consulting a doctor. A cardiologist or general practitioner will order examinations to rule out or confirm cardiovascular problems.

Thus, nails can be an early indicator of disorders in the body. Paying close attention to their condition helps to notice possible malfunctions in heart function in time and maintain health.