Your feet might reveal more about your heart than you think. Swelling, numbness, pain, or strange changes in your feet could be early signs of circulation issues or heart problems.

One key condition is peripheral artery disease (PAD), where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to your legs and feet. This can cause leg cramps while walking and lead to serious issues like slow-healing wounds or even limb loss if untreated. A simple ankle-brachial index (ABI) test can help catch it early.

Swollen feet or ankles might signal heart failure, as poor pumping causes fluid buildup. Diabetics are especially at risk—nerve damage and poor circulation make foot problems more dangerous.

The root cause is often plaque buildup, which affects both your heart and leg arteries. Symptoms like tingling, pain, or numbness in your feet should never be ignored.

Prevention starts with lifestyle: regular exercise, a balanced diet, no smoking, and managing blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Just 20 minutes of movement a day can make a big difference.

Bottom line: Watch your feet. They might be warning you about your heart.