A doctor and YouTuber has warned that an unusual symptom on people’s nails could be a sign of heart disease. Dr James O’Donovan, who also serves as a WHO (World Health Organisation) and Research Director for a global health non-profit, discussed the 12 signs of heart disease in your skin and nails in a video.
He highlighted that splinter haemorrhages in this area could indicate a cardiovascular condition. “red or purple lines under your nails, which are called splinter haemorrhages, and they’re named like this because they look like little splinters of blood,” he explained.
Dr O’Donovan added: “There are many potential causes of these, but on white skin they can appear as red or purple streaks, whilst on black skin they might look brown or black.”
He further cautioned: “Now, most commonly they can be caused by injuries, but if you don’t remember hurting your nail then it could be a potential sign of heart disease or other conditions, so it’s worth seeing your doctor if this is the case.”
However, he stressed that his channel “is intended as a free open-access educational resource and not as clinical advice”, to avoid causing undue anxiety, reports Surrey Live.
As a result, any concerns about unusual signs or symptoms on your fingers should be directed to either the NHS or another healthcare professional. Dr O’Donovan isn’t the only expert to highlight potential symptoms of heart disease during the winter.
Others have also advised of ways to protect the respiratory system during the colder months. Among those is mitigating the impact of breathing in cold air, which clinical lead at Asthma and Lung UK Dr Andrew Whittamore said is possible through changing how we breathe, or wearing a mask.
“When outside, breathing in through your nose helps to warm up the air, as does wearing a mask or loosely wrapping a scarf around your nose and mouth if it is comfortable to do so. Wearing thermals and layers of thinner clothing instead of one thick layer can keep you warmer too”, he told the Daily Express.
Dr Whittamore also recommended pre-warming your respiratory system by drinking something hot before leaving the house: “It is also a good idea to have regular hot drinks and check the weather before you go out. Stay inside if it’s too cold or windy for you.
“Whatever your winter triggers may be, the most important thing you can do is to use your preventer inhaler regular as prescribed and carry your reliever inhaler with you wherever you go, and make an urgent appointment to see your GP, specialist, or asthma nurse if your symptoms are getting worse.”