You may not have realized it, but your nails can reveal a lot about your health. According to a specialist, it’s essential to pay close attention to a particularly alarming symptom. Here’s what you need to know.
Our bodies often have subtle ways of indicating that something is wrong. Sometimes, there are warning signs that we overlook, which can lead to significant health issues. Surprisingly, some alarming symptoms can manifest in unexpected places, such as our nails.
The Symptom To Recognize On Your Nails
This information comes from Dr. Joe, an emergency physician known for his TikTok presence. He regularly shares content aimed at providing advice and raising awareness, as in this case. He explains that when pressure is applied to the nails, it’s possible to notice a color change that appears as a pulsation.
@drjoe_md Quincke’s sign is a physical sign seen in people with aortic regurgitation, a heart condition where blood flows back into the heart instead of moving forward. It shows up as a pulsing in the nail beds when gentle pressure is applied to the fingernail. This happens because the heart’s valves are not working properly, causing stronger pulses in the arteries. It’s one of the clues doctors use to help diagnose this heart issue. #cardiology #aorticvalve #heartmurmur #medicalstudent #medicalresident #premed ♬ original sound – Dr. Joe, M.D. đź©ş
This phenomenon appears on the upper part of the nail, which turns white when pressed against the finger, becoming pink for a brief second before fading again. As explained by the physician, this occurrence is known as the Quincke’s sign. It is related to heartbeats and may indicate that you are suffering from a heart condition, necessitating a visit to a specialist.
What Is This Heart Condition?
Dr. Joe clarifies that such pulsations in the nails are associated with aortic insufficiency, a type of cardiac valve disorder. “This means that when blood leaves the heart to supply the body, a significant portion flows back towards the heart, potentially causing various problems,” he notes. His list includes heart failure, arrhythmias, chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, fluid retention, and in some cases, cardiac arrest.
If you notice a Quincke’s sign on your nails, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible to ensure everything is okay and to monitor this condition. The doctor also mentions another symptom that could signal trouble: visible pulsations in the aorta in the neck. The older we get, the more seriously we should take these symptoms.
Other Issues To Look Out For On Your Nails
While the Quincke’s sign indicates a heart issue, it’s not the only thing your nails can reveal. According to SantĂ© Magazine, if your nails suddenly change color, darken, and feel painful to grow, it may be a sign of melanoma, especially if you haven’t experienced any trauma recently. Additionally, if your nails change shape and become concave or rounded, it could indicate anemia.
Of course, a well-known sign is the appearance of small white spots, which are often associated with calcium deficiency. It is important to remember that the appearance and strength of nails naturally decline with age. Nevertheless, if you have any doubts, do not hesitate to consult a healthcare professional.
Image credit: Instagram @kyliejenner
