Medical experts have long believed that the tongue is a window to systemic health. The ancient practice of tongue diagnosis has been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine to diagnose illnesses based on the appearance of the tongue.

In recent years, Western medicine has also started to acknowledge the connection between the tongue and overall health. One of the surprising findings is that the condition of your tongue can predict the health of your heart.

The Tongue and Heart Health Connection

The tongue is often referred to as the “mirror of the body” because changes in its appearance can reflect changes in the body’s internal environment.

The tongue can indicate digestion issues, allergies, hormonal imbalances, and even infections. But what’s most interesting is that the tongue can also give us hints about the health of our heart.

The tongue and the heart are connected by the same meridian in Traditional Chinese Medicine. This means that any blockages or imbalances in this meridian can affect both the tongue and the heart.

Moreover, some of the tongue changes that are associated with heart health are also linked to other chronic conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

Tongue Changes and Heart Health

Here are some of the tongue changes that are associated with poor heart health:.

Yellow Coating

If you notice a yellow coating on your tongue, it could be a sign of high cholesterol. High cholesterol levels can lead to the development of plaques in the arteries, which can increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

A yellow coating on the tongue may also indicate poor liver function, which is another risk factor for heart disease.

Cracks on the Tongue Surface

Deep cracks or grooves on the surface of the tongue are a common sign of a condition called geographic tongue. People with this condition have inflamed patches on their tongue that can change in shape and size.

Researchers have found a link between geographic tongue and an increased risk of heart disease. The theory is that the inflammation in the tongue may be a sign of systemic inflammation, which is a known predictor of heart disease.

Enlarged or Swollen Tongue

In some cases, an enlarged or swollen tongue can be a sign of sleep apnea. This is a condition where the airway becomes blocked during sleep, causing a person to snore loudly or gasp for air.

Sleep apnea is a risk factor for heart disease because it can lead to high blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems.

White Coating with Red Dots

If your tongue has a white coating with red dots, it could be a sign of a nutrient deficiency. A lack of B vitamins, especially B12, can cause the tongue to develop a white coating with red dots.

Research has shown that low levels of B12 are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and peripheral artery disease.

Black Hairy Tongue

A black, hairy tongue may look scary, but it’s usually harmless. The condition occurs when the tiny papillae on the tongue become elongated and grow hair-like projections.

Black hairy tongue is often caused by poor oral hygiene, antibiotic use, or smoking. While it’s not directly linked to heart disease, having poor oral hygiene can increase the risk of gum disease, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

Conclusion

While the tongue is just one aspect that might give clues to heart health, it is still worth paying attention to. Any changes or issues with the tongue should be reported to a healthcare professional.

Meanwhile, maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise, and good lifestyle habits can help reduce the risk of heart disease.