Dr. Joe, an American emergency response doctor with 2 million followers on TikTok, has warned that observing a red pulsation when pressing down on your nails could indicate a serious health issue.
This phenomenon, known medically as Quincke's sign, is a potential red flag for heart problems when the heart is under extra stress. According to Dr. Joe, the pulsation is caused by a condition called aortic regurgitation.
"When you press down on the nail, you may see a pulsation in the nailbed. This occurs due to aortic regurgitation," he explained.
He went on to clarify that this condition happens when blood flowing out of the heart to the body flows back into the heart due to improper valve function. This backflow can lead to a range of complications.
The issues linked to aortic regurgitation can vary, ranging from mild symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue to severe problems such as heart failure and even death.
Aortic regurgitation is relatively common, with studies suggesting that about 1 in 20 people have some form of the condition. However, the severity varies, with only around 1 in 200 people experiencing the more serious forms of the disease.
It is most frequently diagnosed in individuals aged between 40 and 60, with men slightly more likely to be affected. In the UK, it is estimated that approximately 1.5 million people over the age of 65 have some degree of aortic regurgitation, according to NHS data.
The condition is caused by weakness in the aortic valves of the heart, which prevents them from closing properly. As a result, blood flows back into the heart, placing extra strain on the organ. Over time, this strain can weaken the heart muscle, leading to further complications.
There are several potential causes for this weakening, including congenital defects, infections that damage the heart, or physical injuries to the chest.
In addition to Quincke's sign, other symptoms of aortic regurgitation include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath during physical activity, irregular heartbeats or palpitations, dizziness or fainting, and swelling in the ankles and feet. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately, as they may be signs of a serious heart issue.
Diagnosing aortic regurgitation typically involves tests that assess heart function and scans that examine the heart's structure.
Treatment for the condition depends on its severity. For those with mild forms, regular heart health check-ups may be sufficient, along with advice on maintaining a healthy heart to prevent the condition from worsening.
In more severe cases, medication may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms. Some patients with significant regurgitation may need surgery to repair or replace the damaged aortic valves with artificial ones.
