Heart attack: Spotted this after taking off your socks? The unusual warning sign

Heart attacks are serious medical emergencies that require immediate attention from a doctor. You could be at risk of a deadly heart attack – or myocardial infarction – if you suddenly notice this unusual mark when you take your socks off it could signal the dangerous condition.

Having marks on your ankles after taking off your socks is pretty common.

Most socks contain elastic to keep them from falling down and pressure from the elastic can often leave a mark.

The marks, however, may be more noticeable if a person’s soft tissue in their legs is swollen with fluid.

This is known as peripheral edema and could indicate you may be in danger of having a heart attack.

What is peripheral edema?

Edema happens when your small blood vessels leak fluid into nearby tissues, explained WebMed.

The health site continued: “That extra fluid builds up which makes the tissue swell.

“It can happen almost anywhere in the body.

Peripheral edema usually affects the legs, feet and ankles, but it can also happen in the arms.

“It could be a sign of problems with your circulatory system, lymph nodes or kidneys.”

When the heart is weak or damaged it can’t pump blood efficiently.

Blood and fluid then back up into the legs and sometimes the lungs.

Most often, peripheral edema develops when excess fluid in your body is pulled into your legs by gravity. The edema is usually mild, temporary, and harmless.

However, peripheral edema can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. If so, the edema is more severe and persistent, and there are usually other symptoms.

How to respond to a heart attack

According to the BHF, the first thing you must do is dial 999 immediately for an ambulance.

“Don’t worry if you’re not completely sure whether your symptoms are a heart attack, it’s really important that you seek medical attention regardless as quickly as possible,” explains the health body.

Next, you should:

Sit down and rest

Take a 300mg aspirin if you have one within arm’s reach

Stay calm and wait for the paramedics

Ways to prevent a heart attack

Making lifestyle changes the most effective way to prevent having a heart attack, according to the NHS.

There are three main steps you can take to prevent one happening:

Eat a healthy, balanced diet

Do not smoke

Try to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level

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