Heart disease continues to be the leading cause of death among chronic illnesses. This disease claims the lives of hundreds of thousands of individuals each year, which accounts for nearly one-fourth of annual deaths in the United States.
Chronic illnesses such as heart disease and cancer manifest slowly over time. The risk factors for developing such ailments span across a diverse range of features which include: genetic and biological factors, lifestyle habits and behaviors, as well as environmental factors.
Chronic illnesses are generally deemed as preventable because lifestyle habits such as diet and exercise play a large role in the development of disease progression. While hereditary and genetic factors also play a large role in the development of such diseases, it is important to note that tackling the risk factors head on will help to prevent slow manifestations of chronic illnesses.
It is also very important to know if you are at a higher risk of developing such disease. For these individuals, it extremely important to know family history and also have a comprehensive understanding of what the disease at hand entails.
There are a number of ways to stay on top of your health, but one good method is to know specific signs which may hint that heart disease may be looming in the near future.
Here are 6 signs which may indicate that you or someone you know may be at risk for developing heart disease:
Halo around the iris
A halo around the iris indicates that fatty deposits are present in the eye. The presence of a fatty ring has been demonstrated to be linked to risk factors associated with coronary heart disease.
Clubbed fingernails
This is when the fingernails change in shape and size, becoming thicker and wider. This happens because more tissue is being produced as a direct result of a number of risk factors.
Oxygenated blood, as a result, is not able to reach the fingers normally and the cells produce a growth stimulating factor in order to compensate for this problem.
Fatty bumps
Fatty bumps underneath the eyelids, on the elbows or knees, or even on the buttocks are a sign of bigger problems becoming apparent. The bumps themselves are harmless but may indicate otherwise.
The bumps form when levels of LDL cholesterol become deposited in the skin and enter the arteries which then supply the heart with this 'bad' cholesterol.
Creased earlobes
Diagonal creases along the earlobes is another factor which may indicate heart disease becoming apparent. Studies have been shown that an association of external creases on the earlobe and increased risk of atherosclerosis exists, however, no clear cut reason as to why is certain.
Blue lips
If the lips are a blueish color, then heart problems could be present. The lips may turn blue due to the cardiovascular system failing to deliver oxygenated blood to the tissues.
Rotten gums/loose teeth
Similar to eye health, oral health is a great overall indicator of our health. Our mouth is full of both good and bad bacteria.
The bad bacteria, however, may leach into the bloodstream via salivary glands and into the blood vessels causing an inflammatory response to occur. This process can be extremely detrimental to our heart’s health.
Consult a doctor if you experience any one of these six signs
Please note: These signs do not necessarily mean that heart disease is, in fact, present. They are only indicators which may help you distinguish whether or not this to be the case.