Unusual speed at which toenails grow is little-known sign you have silent killer

31 July 2023 , 11:06

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A change in toenail growth could be a sign of Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Unusual toenail growth speeds could be a sign of a 'silent killer', experts say.

Heart disease is one of the UK's biggest killers in terms of groups of diseases, with someone dying from a form of heart disease every few minutes. It occurs when the heart’s blood supply is blocked or interrupted. Though some symptoms are well-known, such as pressure, aching or a squeezing feel on the chest, others are less obvious - but could end up saving your life.

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a common condition where a build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries restricts blood supply to leg muscles. Often affecting the same people who suffer from heart attacks and strokes, it can make it painful for them to walk and can eventually lead to gangrene and even amputation in severe cases. Symptoms can appear slowly over time, and a "cramping" feeling in the legs may only last for a few minutes at a time.

According to the NHS, another common sign is "brittle, slow-growing toenails", while unexplained hair loss on your legs and feet might also be a sign that something is wrong. Heart specialist Patrick Coughlin told the British Heart Foundation: “People are at an increased risk as they age. About one in five people over 60 in the UK have some degree of PAD,”

“The same things that raise your risk of heart disease and stroke – including smoking, diabetes, obesity and high blood pressure – also raise your risk of PAD. In particular, we are seeing a rise in PAD as a result of increased cases of diabetes. It affects both men and women and sometimes it can run in families.”

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If someone has PAD, they are a lot more likely to have a heart attack. Mr Coughlin said: "If you have intermittent claudication (limping or pain when you walk), your risk of heart attack is three to five times higher than normal. So we would start by trying to reduce your heart attack risk, for example by stopping smoking, testing for (and treating) high blood pressure and diabetes, and taking a blood thinner (such as aspirin) and a statin."

PAD is largely treated through lifestyle changes and medication. Regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy body weight are important ways of preventing it and other heart diseases from developing, and carry a range of other health benefits too. Giving up smoking is also vital if you are susceptible to the condition, as it is the number one risk factor for PAD.

Other actions that can improve your cardiovascular health include eating fruits and vegetables, and moderating your alcohol intake. If you are concerned about symptoms of PAD or issues with your heart, speak to your GP.

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas