Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Is this a heart problem?

I am a 15 year old boy who has been dealing with chronically cold hands and feet, debilitating fatigue, and increase of symptoms after eating.

After standing for a few minutes, my hands and feet become a dark shade of blue, and are very cold. My lower legs become incredibly itchy. However, I do not experience an increase in fatigue while standing up.

I have been tested for autoimmune disorders, thyroid problems, infectious diseases, diabetes/hypoglycemia, and many other diseases/conditions. I have been misdiagnosed multiple times in the past.

I am 100% percent sure that my symptoms are circulatory related. It seems that something is preventing enough blood to reach my brain and lower extremities, causing these symptoms.

What disorders would cause my hands and feet to become dark blue and itchy like that? Maybe something related to my heart?

THANKS!
3 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
Avatar universal
bump
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Thanks for your response! Actually, I am experiencing these symptoms all the time, not episodically. My hands and feet are always slightly blue and splotchy, they just get much worse when I stand for more than a few minutes or exercise. I do feel short of breath, and I am lightheaded 24/7. Do you happen to know of any conditions that can cause these symptoms?

Thanks again!
Helpful - 0
1687176 tn?1321398009
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
I am sorry that you have been dealing with so many symptoms and have not had a diagnosis yet.  Unfortunately, it is impossible to say whether this is related to a circulatory issue or not.  There are cardiac conditions that can lead to cyanosis and a "blue hue" to some parts of the body (such as the lips) but are primarily related to congenital heart defects that are diagnosed very quickly at the time of birth due to the complex nature of these disorders.  If there are symptoms of shortness of breath, chest discomfort, light-headedness, or syncope, it may not be unreasonable to have an echocardiogram performed to assess the function of your left ventricle.  However, it would be extremely rare for this to be cardiac related if you are experiencing these symptoms only episodically (and not all of the time).  
Helpful - 0

You are reading content posted in the Heart Disease Forum

Popular Resources
Is a low-fat diet really that heart healthy after all? James D. Nicolantonio, PharmD, urges us to reconsider decades-long dietary guidelines.
Can depression and anxiety cause heart disease? Get the facts in this Missouri Medicine report.
Fish oil, folic acid, vitamin C. Find out if these supplements are heart-healthy or overhyped.
Learn what happens before, during and after a heart attack occurs.
What are the pros and cons of taking fish oil for heart health? Find out in this article from Missouri Medicine.
How to lower your heart attack risk.