Humped Fingernails?

[kathalysa]

I am an eighteen year old female, and have been wondering for some time whether or not I am at slight risk for a heart condition.  My fingernails are mounded/crested, especially my thumbnails, and I've been told this is often a symptom for heart disease (however, I also chewed my nails quite a bit as a child, so this might have added to it).  I am also frequently cold, particularly in my extremities (hands and feet), and wonder if I have poor circulation.  From what I've found out at the doctor's, though, my blood pressure always tests as very healthy and athletically fit.

I'm just curious how much of a sign these symptoms are for future heart conditions, and if I should possibly look for any other symptoms that I might be overlooking.

[ireneo]

Did your doctor think your nails were unusually rounded (clubbed)? If so, then they would do the various tests on heart, circulation, liver, etc. And the nail shape may just be a family thing, no disease connection at all. They can check circulation in the fingers using a test called nailfold capillaroscopy. Painless and quite helpful.

[kathalysa]

I actually haven't asked my doctor about my nails...they've been mostly a curiosity to me until recently, when I began to learn more about various heart disease symptoms.  I should go ahead and just ask her about it next time I visit.

Thanks for the information on the circulation test!  I'll look more into that. :)

[grendslori]

Clubbed fingers can also be a sign of lung problems.