Our nails can often provide valuable insight into our overall health. Many people don’t realize this, but our nails can display warning signs for heart dysfunction.

Our nails can depict various heart conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and even heart failure. In this article, we will discuss the various nail abnormalities that can indicate heart dysfunction.

Fingernail Clubbing

Fingernail clubbing is when the fingertips and nails start to curve around the fingertips. This is often seen in people with heart disease or low oxygen levels.

In some cases, clubbing can be a sign of lung or liver disease, so it’s important to consult a doctor for an accurate diagnosis.

Koilonychia

Koilonychia is a condition in which the nails appear spoon-shaped with a concave depression. This condition has been associated with a variety of heart conditions, including congenital heart defects and aortic stenosis.

This deformation might be the result of iron deficiency anemia as well, so see a doctor for proper identification and treatment.

Red Lines

Visible red lines may be a sign of splinter hemorrhages, which occur due to microvascular damage caused by bacterial endocarditis.

Bacterial endocarditis is a rare but severe heart disorder in which bacteria collect and cause infection on the inner layer of the heart.

Yellow Nails

A dark yellow discoloration of the nails can indicate a fungal infection, but it can also be an indication of lung disease or even chronic heart adem.

Patients with a yellowish hue on their nails should speak with their doctor to have an accurate diagnosis.

Beau’s Lines

Beau’s lines are depressions running horizontally across the nail, caused by a reduction in growth of the nail. These lines have been linked to heart disease, malnutrition, and zinc deficiency.

Terry’s Nails

Terry’s nails are defined by the absence of the lunula, the white half-moon on the nail’s base. Terry’s nails typically signify a low blood supply and are often linked to heart disease and liver disorders.

Nail Budging

Nail budging occurs if the fingertip’s skin swells, causing the nail to push upwards. Nail budging can be caused by various underlying medical conditions like heart diseases such as congestive heart failure.

Half-and-half Nails (Lindsay’s Nails)

Half-and-half nails are marked by a white section over the nail’s base and a deep red-brown area on the other side. These can be an indication of chronic kidney disease, liver problems, or a heart condition.

Brittle Nails

Brittle nails are more common in the elderly, but they can also show up in people with thyroid disease, lung problems, and even heart issues.

When experiencing brittle nails along with other symptoms such as chest pains or swelling of the legs and abdomen, seek medical attention to rule out any serious conditions.

Conclusion

These are just some of the warning signs that can indicate heart dysfunction. It’s important to remember that these conditions could also be a symptom of another underlying condition and do not always have heart disease as their primary cause.

Therefore, it’s crucial to consult with a medical professional if someone experiences any abnormalities in the nails so they can determine an accurate diagnosis and necessary treatment plan. Always keep in mind to stay on top of regular health screenings to ensure early detection and preventative care.