SAEDNEWS: An American doctor has revealed that a subtle sign in the nails could indicate a potentially serious heart condition, known as aortic regurgitation.
Dr. Joe, a US emergency physician with over 2 million TikTok followers, has shared a simple yet crucial health tip: if you notice a red pulsation when pressing on your nails, it could be a sign of a serious heart condition.
Known in medical circles as Quincke’s sign, this visible pulse can indicate aortic regurgitation, a condition where the heart’s aortic valve doesn’t close properly, causing blood to flow back into the heart.
“When the nail is pressed down, there’s a pulsation in the nailbed, and this comes from a condition called aortic regurgitation,” Dr. Joe explains. “As blood leaves the heart to circulate through the body, a significant portion flows back, causing extra strain on the organ.”
The effects of aortic regurgitation range from mild fatigue and shortness of breath to severe heart failure, and in extreme cases, even death. Studies suggest that 1 in 20 people may have a mild form, while 1 in 200 experience a more serious version.
Most commonly diagnosed in people aged 40–60
Men are slightly more susceptible
In the UK, about 1.5 million people over 65 are affected
Weakness in the aortic valve, which fails to close properly
Can be congenital, result from infection, or occur due to chest injuries
Over time, the heart weakens due to the extra workload
Fatigue and shortness of breath during exercise
Irregular heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting
Swollen ankles or feet
Red pulsation under nails (Quincke’s sign)
Anyone noticing these signs should contact a doctor immediately, as early detection can prevent serious complications.
Doctors may use heart function tests and scans to confirm the condition. Treatment depends on severity:
Mild cases: periodic monitoring and lifestyle adjustments
Severe cases: medications or surgery to repair/replace the aortic valve
Dr. Joe’s advice shows that sometimes, small, visible signs on your body can reveal major health issues—and catching them early could save your life.
