While shaky hands and sweaty palms are downright uncomfortable, most people find them harmless (if sometimes a little embarrassing). However, the truth is that these hand symptoms can sometimes mean more.serious health problemsthis must not be ignored. Whether it's discoloration, swelling, or difficulty gripping, here are some hand symptoms that could be a sign of a serious health condition.
1
Shaking hands: Parkinson's disease

RespectivelyDemetri Arnaoutakis, MD, a board-certified surgeon based in Beverly Hills, California, shaking hands can be the result of something as innocent astoo much caffeine. But if the symptom persists, it is recommended to consult a doctor.
"A tremor in just one hand can be a symptom of Parkinson's disease," says Arnaoutakis. "Nearly 80 percent of people who have Parkinson's have tremors."
2
Sweaty palms: hyperthyroidism

Excessively sweaty hands aren't just embarrassing. They can also be a symptom of hypothyroidism in the form of hyperhidrosis.mayo clinic.
"Hyperhidrosis occurs when the sweat glands become overactive and produce more sweat than necessary," explains Arnaoutakis. “Most people who have it only experience it in one or two parts of the body. Common areas include the armpits, palms or feet.
3
Pale hands and nails: anemia

"Anemia occurs when a person doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body," explains Arnaoutakis. "Iron deficiency is a common cause of this, but it can also be seen in different forms of leukemia."
What does anemia have to do with hand health? Well, anemia can lead to pale skin, especially on the hands and nails.
4
Yellow spots on knuckles: high cholesterol

According to Arnaoutakis, firm, yellow bumps on your joints could be a sign of an inherited cholesterol condition.familial hypercholesterolemia. "These yellow bumps, medically called xanthomas, are fatty deposits that collect in the hands, elbows or knees," he explains.
5
Swollen ankles: rheumatoid arthritis

If you find that your hands are painfully swollen (especially around your knuckles), it could be a sign of an autoimmune disease, more specifically,rheumatoid arthritis, CommentsDaniel Paull, MD, orthopedist and founder and CEO ofsimple orthopedicsin the Colorado Springs area.
"Rheumatoid arthritis affects the ankles much more than normal arthritis, and [the swelling] can be the first sign that someone has [the disease]," explains Paull. "Fortunately, there are many good RA medications available today that can help prevent the disfiguring hand complications of the past."
6
A bent middle finger: rheumatoid arthritis

A curved middle finger (also known asbuttonhole deformity) can also be a sign of rheumatoid arthritisAmerican Society for Surgery of the Hand(ASSCH). What exactly constitutes a "curved" middle finger? According to ASSH, it must have the following two characteristics: the finger is bent at the middle joint and bent backwards at the end joint.
7
Nail impressions: psoriatic arthritis

Don't ignore those indentations in your nails. “This could be a sign of a so-called autoimmune disease.psoriasis-arthritisassociated with psoriasis and its flare-ups," says Paull. The good news? Like RA, there are many medications that can help treat this condition.
8
Grip issues: carpal tunnel syndrome

and it's hard for youpick up objects with your hands, could be a sign of carpal tunnel syndrome, a pinch or compression of the narrow passage in the palm of the wrist. Other signs to look out for include pain or numbness in your hands, swelling in your fingers, and a burning or tingling sensation.
9
Muscle wasting: carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome

If you notice your hand muscles getting weak, it's probably due to nerve compression from carpal or cubital tunnel syndrome, says Paull.
"Unfortunately, once you start to notice the waste [disappearing], there's not much you can do to get the [function] back," he says. "However, most people experience numbness and tingling first, and only a few develop muscle atrophy." Paull also points out that, although much less common,E-olou gehrigsDisease: also manifests itself with loss of muscle mass.
10
Redness and peeling of the cuticles: lupus

RespectivelyCaren Campell, MD, board-certified dermatologist in San Francisco, Calif., Redness and scaling around cuticles can be a symptom of autoimmune diseaseLupus. She notes that "it can also present [as] red rashes on sun-exposed areas such as the nose and cheeks." And as the disease affects the internal organs and can cause kidney failure orheart disease, it's best to get any redness or unusual rash checked as soon as possible.
11
Brown spots on the palm: syphilis

If you notice brown spots on your palms (as well as the soles of your feet), it could be a sign of syphilis. "If you've had unprotected sex or suspect you've been exposed, it's important [to see a doctor] as it can lead to neurological issues if left untreated," he adds.
12
White spots on the skin: Vitiligo

"vitiligoit's a condition [in which] the body's immune cells attack the pigment-producing cells in the skin," explains Campbell.
While it affects other parts of the body, she says the hands are a common area where vitiligo starts because the discoloration often leads to sites of repeated trauma or friction. Campbell notes that "it's been linked to thyroid abnormalities such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, so it's important to monitor your thyroid hormone levels" if you experience this discoloration.
13
Blue, purple, or black fingers: Raynaud's disease

If your fingers turn pale (translated: lose color) and then turn blue, purple, or black when cold or under pressure, this could be a symptom ofRaynaud's disease. This disorder causes blood vessels to narrow in certain situations, such as B. when your body temperature drops or when you're stressed. The disease can make your fingers feel cold and numb, sometimes so cold that it's painful to move your hands.
14
Blue-red spots on the skin of the palms: endocarditis

Blue-red spots on the skin of the palms are a symptom ofEndocarditis, an infection of the inner lining of the chambers and valves of the heart. The condition can also cause reddish-brown streaks under the fingernails and small, painful bumps on the fingertips.
If you experience any of these symptoms, don't wait to see your doctor; If left untreated, this condition can cause heart murmurs and full heart failure.
15
Nails "half and half": kidney disease

A 2014 study published inJournal of Association of Pakistan Dermatologistsfound that 36% of patients with chronic kidney disease had "half and half" nails, in which the underside of the nail is white and the top is brown. If you notice this change in nail color, make an appointment to see your doctor.
sixteen
Dark streak on the nail: melanoma

If you have a black spot on your nail, there may be an innocuous explanation like a bruise, but it's definitely worth getting checked out by your doctor. Why? This discoloration cansymptom of melanoma, a dangerous form of skin cancer. The streak may appear on a single nail or it may be present on several.
17
Palms stained red: liver disease

According to a study published in theamerican journal of clinical dermatologyRed, mottled palms (also known as palmar erythema) are an "often overlooked physical finding" of liver disease. The study notes that palmar erythema is present in up to 23% of patients with liver cirrhosis.
18
White spots on nails: zinc deficiency

"While white spots [on nails] can be normal, they can also be an indication that someone isn't getting enough zinc, isn't eating enough zinc, or is losing too much zinc," she explains.byron wells, MD, Associate Medical Director atParaDocs Worldwide Inc.. The doctor points out that people with a predisposition to zinc deficiency - for example, vegans and patients with Crohn's disease - should pay special attention to their nails.
19
Crooked nails: lung or heart disease

"Some lung and heart conditions can cause nails to become more rounded and club-shaped," says Pitts. "While not a specific finding, it may be indicative of certain types of lung disease, heart disease, lung cancer, and gastrointestinal disease." If you notice this happening with your nails, Pitts recommends having your doctor get this checked out.
20
Rigid skin: dehydration

When people are severely dehydrated, the skin becomes tight. "If you pinch the loose skin on the back of your hand, the skin may feel 'tight' or take longer to flatten," explains Pitts. "It's a pretty late finding, and you probably already know you need to drink water."
21
Tingling hands: diabetes

Tingling or numbness in the hands could be a signDiabetes. If this symptom is accompanied by other things, such as unintentional weight loss, blurred vision,dry skinand fatigue, then it's time to see a doctor, as diabetes is likely the culprit. And you can find more information about how to protect your health at30 Signs of Deadly Health Problems Hiding in Plain Plain.
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FAQs
What is a symptom of many illnesses? ›
General signs and symptoms common to a number of infectious diseases include: Fever. Diarrhea. Fatigue.
What are the 5 symptoms of high blood pressure? ›- Blurry or double vision.
- Lightheadedness/Fainting.
- Fatigue.
- Headache.
- Heart palpitations.
- Nosebleeds.
- Shortness of breath.
- Nausea and/or vomiting.
- Chickenpox.
- Common cold.
- Diphtheria.
- E. coli.
- Giardiasis.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Infectious mononucleosis.
- Influenza (flu)
- Ischemic heart disease, or coronary artery disease. ...
- Stroke. ...
- Lower respiratory infections. ...
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. ...
- Trachea, bronchus, and lung cancers. ...
- Diabetes mellitus. ...
- Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. ...
- Dehydration due to diarrheal diseases.
A test called an echocardiogram is often the best test to diagnose your heart failure. Your doctor can also use this test to find out why you have heart failure, and then monitor your condition going forward every three to six months.
What does a small heart blockage feel like? ›Small vessel disease signs and symptoms include: Chest pain, squeezing or discomfort (angina), which may get worse with activity or emotional stress. Discomfort in the left arm, jaw, neck, back or abdomen along with chest pain. Shortness of breath.
What are the first signs of a weak heart? ›- Breathlessness or Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea) When the heart begins to fail, blood backs up in the veins attempting to carry oxygenated blood from the lungs to the heart. ...
- Fatigue As heart failure becomes more severe, the heart is unable to pump the amount of blood required to meet all of the body's needs.
If shortness of breath happens when you're clearly not exerting yourself, when you're doing something you normally could do without feeling winded, or comes on suddenly, those are warning signs that a heart issue could potentially be to blame.
How do I know if I have heart problems or anxiety? ›The difference is that, when extra heartbeats in the upper and lower chambers are the cause of abnormal rhythm, symptoms may feel like an initial skip or hard thumping beat followed by a racing heart. When anxiety is the trigger, heart rate typically increases steadily rather than suddenly.
What is the number one symptom of high blood pressure? ›High blood pressure usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. Measuring your blood pressure is the only way to know whether you have high blood pressure.
What are some rare symptoms of high blood pressure? ›
Rare Hypertension Symptoms
People with severe high blood pressure can develop symptoms quickly, including: Blurry vision or other vision disturbances: Blurred vision and vision changes are warning signs that you could be at risk of a serious health problem, such as a stroke or a heart attack.
Unfortunately, high blood pressure can happen without feeling any abnormal symptoms. Moderate or severe headaches, anxiety, shortness of breath, nosebleeds, palpitations, or feeling of pulsations in the neck are some signs of high blood pressure.
What are the 10 killer diseases? ›- Heart disease: 695,547.
- Cancer: 605,213.
- COVID-19: 416,893.
- Accidents (unintentional injuries): 224,935.
- Stroke (cerebrovascular diseases): 162,890.
- Chronic lower respiratory diseases: 142,342.
- Alzheimer's disease: 119,399.
- Diabetes: 103,294.
cancer. dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. advanced lung, heart, kidney and liver disease. stroke and other neurological diseases, including motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis.
What are the 10 main diseases? ›- Ischemic heart disease, or coronary artery disease. ...
- Stroke. ...
- Lower respiratory tract infections. ...
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. ...
- Tracheal, bronchial and lung cancer. ...
- Diabetes. ...
- Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. ...
- Dehydration due to diarrhea.
Heart disease
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women. This is the case in the U.S. and worldwide. More than half of all people who die due to heart disease are men. Medical professionals use the term heart disease to describe several conditions.
Chronic diseases - such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, stroke, and arthritis - are the leading causes of disability and death in New York State and throughout the United States.
What disease kills most in the world? ›Cardiovascular disease is the top cause of death globally. In the map we see death rates from cardiovascular diseases across the world.
What is the first stage of congestive heart failure? ›Stage I is considered "pre-heart failure." High-risk individuals include patients with high blood pressure, diabetes, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, and coronary artery disease. If you have a family history of alcohol abuse, rheumatic fever, cardiotoxic drug therapy, or cardiomyopathy, you are also at risk.
Can you have congestive heart failure and not know it? ›If you have heart failure, you may not have any symptoms, or the symptoms may range from mild to severe. Symptoms can be constant or can come and go. Heart failure symptoms are related to the changes that occur to your heart and body, and the severity depends on how weak your heart is.
What's the difference between heart failure and congestive? ›
Actually, heart failure means that the heart isn't pumping as well as it should be. Congestive heart failure is a type of heart failure that requires seeking timely medical attention, although sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably.
What is a good blood pressure for someone with heart failure? ›In patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, guidelines consensually recommend treating hypertension with drugs that have compelling indications in heart failure, with a target blood pressure of 130/80 mmHg.
Will heart failure show up in blood work? ›Tests for 2 kinds of natriuretic peptides are currently available for the diagnosis of heart failure: BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide) and pro-BNP (N-terminal pro–B-type natriuretic peptide). Blood levels of both of these substances become elevated in patients with congestive heart failure.
What does heart failure fatigue feel like? ›Tiredness, fatigue
...a tired feeling all the time and difficulty with everyday activities, such as shopping, climbing stairs, carrying groceries or walking. The heart can't pump enough blood to meet the needs of body tissues.
Dizziness or weakness. Heart palpitations, or sensations of your heart racing or fluttering. Nausea or sweating. Shortness of breath.
What are mini heart attacks? ›In a “mini” heart attack, blood flow to the heart is partially blocked. Symptoms include chest pain and are similar to those of a heart attack, but there is less damage to the heart. The technical term for a “mini” heart attack is a non-ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI).
How do I know if I'm having mini heart attacks? ›SMI warning signs
It can feel like an uncomfortable pressure, squeezing, or pain. Discomfort in other upper-body areas, such as one or both arms, the back, the neck, the jaw, or the stomach. Shortness of breath before or during chest discomfort. Breaking out in a cold sweat, or feeling nauseated or lightheaded.
People can experience shortness of breath while walking for a number of reasons. Sometimes, this occurs as a result of conditions such as anxiety, asthma, or obesity. Less commonly, shortness of breath signals a more serious underlying medical condition.
What stage of heart failure is shortness of breath? ›Stage 2 of Congestive Heart Failure
Stage two of congestive heart failure will produce symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or heart palpitations after you participate in physical activity. As with stage one, lifestyle changes and certain medication can help improve your quality of life.
Shortness of breath when talking: Difficulty breathing while talking may indicate asthma, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, a blocked airway, or a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis), depending on the circumstances.
How can I rule out heart problems? ›
- Blood tests. ...
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) ...
- Exercise stress test. ...
- Echocardiogram (ultrasound) ...
- Nuclear cardiac stress test. ...
- Coronary angiogram. ...
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) ...
- Coronary computed tomography angiogram (CCTA)
- a churning feeling in your stomach.
- feeling light-headed or dizzy.
- pins and needles.
- feeling restless or unable to sit still.
- headaches, backache or other aches and pains.
- faster breathing.
- a fast, thumping or irregular heartbeat.
- sweating or hot flushes.
- Neck, jaw, shoulder, upper back or upper belly (abdomen) discomfort.
- Shortness of breath.
- Pain in one or both arms.
- Nausea or vomiting.
- Sweating.
- Lightheadedness or dizziness.
- Unusual fatigue.
- Heartburn (indigestion)
Salt or sodium
Salt, or specifically the sodium in salt, is a major contributor to high blood pressure and heart disease. This is because of how it affects fluid balance in the blood. Table salt is around 40 percent sodium. Some amount of salt is important for health, but it's easy to eat too much.
Call 911 or emergency medical services if your blood pressure is 180/120 mm Hg or greater and you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or symptoms of stroke. Stroke symptoms include numbness or tingling, trouble speaking, or changes in vision.
What are three easy exercises to lower blood pressure immediately? ›Some examples of aerobic exercise that can help lower blood pressure include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming or dancing. Another possibility is high-intensity interval training. This type of training involves alternating short bursts of intense activity with periods of lighter activity.
How long can you have high blood pressure before it causes damage? ›In other words, once blood pressure rises above normal, subtle but harmful brain changes can occur rather quickly—perhaps within a year or two. And those changes may be hard to reverse, even if blood pressure is nudged back into the normal range with treatment.
Can you feel high blood pressure in your eyes? ›Possible signs of this condition include eye swelling, reduced vision, double vision with headaches and bursting of a blood vessel. People with severe and accelerated hypertension may experience vision problems and headaches.
What hurts when you have high blood pressure? ›Chest pain, also called angina, occurs when the heart does not get the blood it needs. When people with high blood pressure perform activities such as walking uphill, going up steps, or exercising, angina can cause pressure, squeezing, pain, or a feeling of fullness in the chest.
What time of day is blood pressure highest? ›Blood pressure has a daily pattern. Usually, blood pressure starts to rise a few hours before a person wakes up. It continues to rise during the day, peaking in midday. Blood pressure typically drops in the late afternoon and evening.
What is the average blood pressure for a 70 year old? ›
The ideal blood pressure for seniors is now considered 120/80 (systolic/diastolic), which is the same for younger adults. The high blood pressure range for seniors starts at hypertension stage 1, spanning between 130-139/80-89.
What is it called when you have multiple illnesses? ›Comorbidity simply means more than one illness or disease occurring in one person at the same time and multimorbidity means more than two illnesses or diseases occurring in the same person at the same time.
What is it called when you think you have a bunch of illnesses? ›People who have hypochondria actually believe they are ill, but do not manipulate test results. People who malinger pretend to be ill to gain some sort of benefit, such as avoiding military duty or trying to obtain compensation.
Why do I get so many illnesses? ›Chronic stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep make you less able to fend off infection. If you're not making time for R and R, you're probably going to keep getting sick. Your immune system can't take care of you if you don't take care of it.
What causes multiple health problems? ›Health problems can be caused by a person's genetic make-up, lifestyle behaviours (e.g. smoking), exposure to toxic substances (e.g. asbestos) or other reasons. With multiple health problems, one illness or its treatment might lead to another.
What are the hardest diseases to live with? ›cancer. dementia, including Alzheimer's disease. advanced lung, heart, kidney and liver disease. stroke and other neurological diseases, including motor neurone disease and multiple sclerosis.
What are the most common chronic conditions? ›Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. They are also leading drivers of the nation's $4.1 trillion in annual health care costs.
What are the most common chronic diseases in older adults? ›Aging increases the risk of chronic diseases such as dementias, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, arthritis, and cancer. These are the nation's leading drivers of illness, disability, death, and health care costs.
What mental disorder is pretending to be sick? ›Munchausen syndrome is a psychological condition where someone pretends to be ill or deliberately produces symptoms of illness in themselves. Their main intention is to assume the "sick role" so that people care for them and they are the centre of attention.
What disorder is pretending to be someone else? ›Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly known as Multiple Personality Disorder, has an average age of onset between the ages of 5 and 6 years old. It can go unnoticed due to the assumption that a child is playing a game in which they are pretending to be someone else.
Does mental illness come from the mother or father? ›
Mental disorders are the result of both genetic and environmental factors. There is no single genetic switch that when flipped causes a mental disorder. Consequently, it is difficult for doctors to determine a person's risk of inheriting a mental disorder or passing on the disorder to their children.
Why do poor people get sick often? ›The health of people with low incomes often suffers because they can't afford adequate housing, food, or child care. Such living conditions, and the stress they cause, can lead to higher rates of tobacco and alcohol use and increase the risk of health problems developing or worsening over time.
Why am I suddenly getting sick all the time? ›It could be related to a vitamin deficiency, dehydration, problems with your immune system, or inadequate hygiene, among other possibilities. There isn't anyone who hasn't gotten a cold or virus just days before a big event. For some people, being sick is a way of life, and days of feeling well are few and far between.
What helps boost your immune system? ›- Eat Well. Food Assistance. ...
- Be Physically Active. Regular physical activity helps you feel better, sleep better, and reduce anxiety. ...
- Maintain a Healthy Weight. Excess weight can affect how your body functions. ...
- Get Enough Sleep. ...
- Quit Smoking. ...
- Avoid Too Much Alcohol. ...
- In Summary.
- Physical Activity and Nutrition.
- Overweight and Obesity.
- Tobacco.
- Substance Abuse.
- HIV/AIDS.
- Mental Health.
- Injury and Violence.
- Environmental Quality.
Multisystem diseases are disorders that affect multiple body systems. Dysautonomia, mast cell activation syndrome, the antiphospholipid syndrome and other autoimmune disorders and the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes are all multisystem disorders and they may--not infrequently--co-exist.
What age brings the greatest number of health problems? ›From your 60s on, your health risks generally increase. At ages 60 through 80, much of the health problems women are at risk for in their 50s are the same — the risk just increases as time goes on. The risk for heart disease increases significantly for both women and men in their 60s.