Especially in winter, cold feet are something common for most Germans. In sub-zero temperatures, feet and hands are the first to freeze. However, a large proportion of those affected suffer from these complaints all year round. If neither high-quality shoes nor thick socks help, then the cause should be found by your family doctor. Because cold feet are often an important warning sign. A research team in South Korea was even able to find a connection between cold feet and numerous...chronic diseasesprove.
Cold feet as a symptom of chronic illness?
Sensation of extreme cold is considered an important symptom in traditional Korean medicine. In Asia, the cause of those affected's cold feet is being actively searched for. The scientists from the “Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine” conducted a study in collaboration with the “Department of Korean Internal Medicine”. The aim of the study was to find out whether cold feet can be a symptom of chronic diseases.
The study analyzed the electronic medical records of 6,149 patients in South Korea. The researchers divided the subjects into two groups. The patients who suffered from cold feet formed the test group. All others formed the control group. After the analysis, the scientists were able to determine that the patients in the test group suffered from chronic diseases more often compared to those in the control group.
They assume that there is a connection between cold feet and anemia, hypotension, gastritis, diabetes and low blood pressure. Cold feet are therefore considered a symptom and not a possible cause of the chronic diseases.
Cold feet and circulatory problems
Various circulatory problems are considered the most common cause of cold feet. If the heart is not sufficiently efficient, the blood cannot with the right pressureflow through the blood vessels. As a result of poor blood circulation, the feet are not supplied with enough blood and an extreme feeling of cold occurs. Blood pressure may drop in patients suffering from various hormonal disorders or metabolic diseases. However, anyone who suffers from a circulatory disease also has other symptoms. In any case, it is always worth seeking advice from your family doctor to be on the safe side.
If your feet are not only cold but also tingle, then they can indicate calcification and narrowing of the blood vessels. Atherosclerosis is a dangerous disease because blood vessels in one part of the body can sometimes suddenly close. This can lead to a heart attack or stroke. In all of these cases, cold feet are an accompanying symptom that can help doctors make the diagnosis. And early diagnosis and treatment is particularly important for arteriosclerosis.
About the studyof the research team from South Korea.
