People in the UK are being urged to examine their fingernails for signs that could indicate early-stage heart failure or liver disease. Changes in nail shape, colour, or texture may point to underlying health conditions, including congestive heart failure and cirrhosis.
A specific warning sign is Terry's nails, where most of the nail bed appears pale with a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip. This condition, named after the doctor who first identified it, often lacks the typical half-moon shape near the cuticle. Terry's nails can be a marker of chronic conditions such as liver failure, diabetes, kidney failure, or viral hepatitis, though it may also simply be a sign of ageing.
According to a 2017 study titled 'Terry's Nails: A Sign of Systemic Disease', the abnormality can occur with normal ageing but is also linked to cirrhosis, chronic renal failure, and congestive heart failure. Pressing on the nailbeds may temporarily make the discolouration vanish, but this is not a cure.
Other early symptoms of heart failure include fatigue, shortness of breath, and leg swelling. Cirrhosis often shows no symptoms initially, but signs such as persistent tiredness, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and mild abdominal discomfort may appear later.
The NHS notes that nails naturally change over time, but certain problems can indicate serious conditions. Medications may also cause nail issues. Anyone concerned about changes in their nails should consult their GP for proper assessment and treatment.
