Unusual dark lines under your nails may be a sign of endocarditis, a life-threatening heart infection. Early detection is critical for survival.
Dark Nail Lines Could Point to Serious Heart Condition
Doctors warn visible fingernail changes may indicate endocarditis, a rare and potentially fatal infection affecting the heart.
Surprising Sign of a Hidden Threat
Health experts are urging Canadians to pay attention to a little-known symptom that may indicate a life-threatening condition—thin, dark lines under the fingernails. These marks, known as splinter haemorrhages, may appear harmless but could signal infective endocarditis, a rare heart infection that affects the inner lining of the heart chambers and valves.
The Condition and Its Dangers
Each year, around 1,500 people in Canada are diagnosed with endocarditis. If left untreated, the infection can cause irreversible damage to the heart and may even be fatal. The condition develops when bacteria or fungi enter the bloodstream and settle in the heart lining, often unnoticed until more severe symptoms emerge.
Where and How It Appears
According to the British Heart Foundation, splinter haemorrhages resemble reddish-brown streaks running vertically under the nails. They result from small clots damaging the capillaries beneath the nail bed. While such marks can also be caused by trauma or other health conditions like diabetes, experts stress that recurring signs without an apparent cause warrant medical evaluation.
Wider Symptoms Often Overlooked
Endocarditis is especially dangerous because its symptoms can mimic minor illnesses like the flu or develop slowly over weeks. Visible signs may include small dark spots on the skin, red painful lumps on fingers or toes, and a generally pale appearance. Some patients may experience symptoms suddenly, while others face a gradual decline.
What To Do and Why It Matters
Medical professionals advise immediate consultation if these nail symptoms appear alongside unexplained fatigue, fever, or skin changes. Early diagnosis is crucial, as untreated endocarditis can lead to heart failure or stroke. Treatment often involves antibiotics, regular monitoring, and sometimes surgery to repair damaged heart valves or remove abscesses.
Preventive Measures and At-Risk Individuals
The public can reduce their risk of endocarditis through strict hygiene practices, especially dental and hand hygiene, which helps prevent bacteria from entering the bloodstream. Those with existing heart conditions, artificial valves, or a history of endocarditis are considered at higher risk.
Public Health Reminder
Experts emphasize that while splinter haemorrhages can have benign causes, their repeated appearance across multiple nails without injury should not be ignored. Prompt action can save lives.
For continuous coverage and real-time updates on Surrey’s environmental initiatives and community stories, keep following Surrey News
