Never Overlook Your Skin’s Heartfelt Signs

“Skin changes speak a lot about health issues which makes the examination of one’s skin very important in medical evaluation,” says Dr Rishi V Lohiya, Senior Consultant, Interventional Cardiology. Dr Risshi shares how excessive sweating (diaphoresis) that is associated with chest pain is a tell-tale sign of heart attacks. Dr Rishi adds, “Pale, bluish, greyish skin, especially one’s lips, fingertips or earlobes are also suggestive of poor oxygen levels, which again point to a heart attack.” So, why do these changes occur? The answer lies in blood circulation. Healthy blood flow is essential for maintaining vibrant skin. Any deviation or disruption can lead to noticeable and drastic changes in the way the skin looks or feels.

The latest ‘Accidental Deaths and Suicides in India’ report by the NCRB revealed that around 32, 457 individuals died due to heart attacks in 2022, this was a sharp 12.5% rise from previous years. All these instances point towards a brewing cardiovascular wave. One that seems to be nearing us soon!

Know The Difference

Dr Vishal Gabale, Physician- Internal Medicine and Founder of Adrenaline MedEd from Mumbai says, “Certain

skin-related cues can point to cardiovascular risks that are often ignored.” He highlights Xanthomas- cholesterol deposits that form under the skin, typically around the eyelids or tendons. These are often seen in individuals with familial hyperlipidaemia, a genetic condition that gives rise to cholesterol levels and in turn, the risk of heart diseases.

Dr Rishi explains that a heart attack would have different symptoms as compared to a cardiac arrest. He shares that a heart attack would show skin changes that are gradual in nature. Dr Rishi says, “Gradual signs like pallor, cold sweats or cyanosis (bluish skin) are signs prior to a heart attack.”

Cardiac arrests are more brutal and immediate. Dr Rishi adds, “Dramatic and sudden changes in terms of bluish discolouration of skin is a warning sign of a cardiac arrest.”

What’s alarming is that while a heart attack gives you pre-warning signs, a cardiac arrest may not be preceded by any skin changes and just hits in at the time of the episode. If and when you notice these bumps, it’s crucial that one seeks immediate healthcare support.

Health Watch

Dr Vishal emphasizes the importance of recognizing classic heart attack symptoms alongside skin changes. While skin-related changes can offer early cues to potential heart issues, they should not be solely relied upon for diagnosis. He stresses the necessity of being aware of the most common signs.

Dr Vishal adds “Chest pressure, radiation to the jaw or the left arm, shortness of breath, sweating and nausea often accompany skin related changes.”

Dr Rishi cuts through the fear with a quip, “There’s no running away, just seek immediate medical attention.” Skin changes don’t happen in isolation. They often show up with other triggers and symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain or fatigue. However, such shouldn’t be slept upon.

Dr Rishi adds, “In such situations, it's important to call help and preferably don’t just call an ambulance but a cardiac ambulance so that treatment can be initiated before reaching the hospital.” What usually follows is the line of tests, starting from an ECG to blood tests like troponin and other clinical examinations.

Prevention over Regret

Your skin can speak volumes. Edema, cyanosis, glossy skin, subtle ear-lobes or nail changes may not be mere cosmetic markers. These are urgent whispers that something is wrong. Spotting these signs and seeking immediate medical help is the need. Dr Vishal says, “Public awareness on the atypical signs of a heart attack can save many lives.”Prior diagnosis could even allow one ample time to get into testing, imaging and other interventions which serve as proactive steps. Perhaps, when your skin speaks, it isn’t speaking metaphorically -- watch carefully, act fast and give your heart a fighting chance!

Skin Heart Link

Pay Attention to these signs:

• Unexplained profuse sweating

• Discoloration of one’s skin

• Nail Changes- Swollen or fine red streaks under the nail

• Chest Discomfort

• Breathlessness or fatigue

• Frank’s Sign- a diagonal crease on the earlobe

• Paleness or Cyanosis- Pale or bluish skin, often a sign of reduced blood flow to the skin.

Remedies:

• Regular skin examinations- One could have self-examinations conducted to check for changes in one’s skins appearance or texture.

• Monitor and track your heart health regularly.