When the arteries that carry blood to the lower limbs narrow considerably, the flow can decrease.
One of the diseases related to this situation is peripheral arterial disease.
The American Heart Association explains that PAD occurs when peripheral arteries narrow or become blocked,
reducing blood flow to certain parts of the body; the most common form affects the
legs and feet.
When the circulatory problem becomes significant, changes in the skin and its structures may begin to be observed.
These include the decrease or loss of leg hair.
The U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute notes that among the possible symptoms of peripheral artery disease, leg hair may stop growing and toenails may also grow more slowly.
MedlinePlus is even more specific in including hair loss
on legs, feet, and toes among the findings that may occur when peripheral artery disease is more advanced.
That explains
why observing feet can provide clues.
