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Rare Symptoms of Heart Disease

Heart disease exists in many forms, including disease of the blood vessels, arrhythmias, structural defects of the heart, infections of the heart and valve disorders, which can lead to life-threatening complications including heart attack, cardiac arrest, heart failure, aneurysm and stroke. Although many people recognize the more common symptoms of heart disease such as chest pain, rapid heartbeat and fatigue, less-common symptoms may occur earlier, and recognition can lead to faster and more successful treatment in some people.

  1. Changes in Appearance

    • Changes in physical appearance are rare symptoms of heart disease, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. A lack of blood flow can cause problems with the fingernails, toenails and body hair and may result in thinning or loss of the hair and nails. Cuts or wounds on the lower body, especially the feet, may not heal well or easily become infected due to heart disease.

    Breathing Problems

    • Breathing problems may be rare symptoms of certain types of heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Difficulty breathing while drinking from a bottle or nursing may be a symptom of heart defects present at birth in babies. Being short of breath while resting is a rare symptom of other types of heart disease and may be a sign of significant damage or defects of the heart.

    Muscle Disorders

    • According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, muscle problems can be rare symptoms of heart disease. Difficulty with controlling movements during physical activity may be a symptom of heart disease, especially disease of the peripheral arteries. Sudden or strong cramps in the muscles of the lower legs, which is a condition called claudication, is another rare symptom of heart disease that affects the peripheral arteries.

    Neurological Problems

    • Certain neurological problems may be rare symptoms of heart disease, according to the Mayo Clinic. Fainting without warning is a neurological concern that may be a rare symptom of heart disease. Disease of the carotid artery can cause neurological problems including confusion, paralysis and poor coordination, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute.

    Skin Problems

    • Changes and problems with the skin are rare symptoms of heart disease, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. People with heart disease may have a blue color to their skin, which is referred to by doctors as cyanosis, due to poor blood circulation. Disease of the arteries can also result in one arm or leg being warmer to the touch than the other.

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