Yellow Soles: A Sign of Heart Surgery Complications?

The soles of the feet are yellow?

Doctor, my sister is currently 24 years old.
She underwent heart surgery when she was 10 years old and has not returned for follow-up visits since then.
In recent years, we have noticed that the soles of her feet are yellow, which is different from the usual pink color.
She has not consumed any excessive amounts of food or vitamins.
Could this be related to her previous surgery?

A-Zheng, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/07/14

Dr. Li Han reply Cardiology

Hello Ah-Jheng, regarding your question about your sister's yellowing of the soles of her feet...
Although she has a history of heart surgery, this medical history should not be related to her current symptoms.
Yellowing of the skin is generally associated with conditions such as anemia in individuals of Asian descent, jaundice due to liver or biliary diseases, or excessive intake or endocrine and metabolic disorders leading to hypercarotenemia, such as hypothyroidism, dyslipidemia, or nephrotic syndrome, among others.
The location of the yellowing on the skin may vary, and the yellowing of your sister's soles may be particularly noticeable to you.
There may also be other accompanying symptoms or signs that could help further identify the underlying cause.
I recommend consulting an experienced dermatologist for further evaluation.
I hope this response is helpful to you.
Take care.

Reply Date: 2011/07/14

More Info

Yellow soles, or yellowing of the skin on the soles of the feet, can be concerning, especially in a young individual with a history of heart surgery. While it is essential to consider various potential causes, it is crucial to understand that the yellowing of the skin is not a direct or common complication of heart surgery itself. Instead, it may be indicative of other underlying conditions that could be related to her medical history or lifestyle.

One possible explanation for yellow soles is a condition known as carotenemia, which is caused by an excess of carotenoids in the diet, particularly from consuming large amounts of yellow or orange fruits and vegetables. However, you mentioned that your sister has not been consuming excessive amounts of any particular food, which makes this less likely.
Another potential cause could be jaundice, which results from an accumulation of bilirubin in the blood. Jaundice can occur due to liver dysfunction, hemolysis (the breakdown of red blood cells), or bile duct obstruction. Given that your sister has a history of heart surgery, it is essential to consider whether any complications related to her heart condition or surgery could be affecting her liver function or overall health.

In some cases, peripheral vascular issues can also lead to changes in skin color, particularly if there is inadequate blood flow to the extremities. This could be a concern in individuals with congenital heart defects or other heart conditions that may affect circulation.
It is also worth noting that certain medications, particularly those used in the management of heart conditions, can have side effects that may alter skin pigmentation. If your sister is on any medication, it would be prudent to review these with her healthcare provider to determine if they could be contributing to the yellowing of her soles.

Given your sister's medical history and the changes you have observed, it is highly advisable for her to seek a comprehensive evaluation from a healthcare professional. A thorough assessment, including a physical examination and possibly laboratory tests, can help identify the underlying cause of the yellow soles. This evaluation may include liver function tests, a complete blood count, and possibly imaging studies if there are concerns about vascular health or liver pathology.

In summary, while yellow soles are not a typical sign of complications from heart surgery, they warrant further investigation to rule out any underlying health issues. It is essential for your sister to return to her healthcare provider for a thorough evaluation, especially considering her history of heart surgery and the changes in her skin color. Early identification and management of any potential issues can help ensure her overall health and well-being.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Post-Heart Surgery Complications: Right Leg Vascular Issues

Hello, doctor. I underwent minimally invasive heart valve repair surgery in May of this year, and there is a wound in my right groin area from where they established extracorporeal circulation. Since the surgery, my right leg has been very sore when I walk, and sometimes it feels...

Dr. He Dongjin reply Cardiology
Hello, these are potential complications that may occur. Some individuals have a more sensitive constitution, and their blood vessels may react more easily to external stimuli. If there is a chance for remediation afterward, it's best to take the necessary actions. Changhua ...

Post-Fracture Joint Issues: Understanding Complications After Surgery

1. The occasional numbness and burning sensation in the ankle, foot, and toe joints two months after the fracture surgery may be due to nerve irritation or compression, possibly related to swelling or scar tissue formation. 2. The discoloration and mild swelling of the affected ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
After a lower limb fracture and surgery, it is normal for swelling to persist if blood circulation has not yet returned, which may take more than three months to recover. For a clavicle fracture, do not elevate the arm as it may cause the metal pins to shift. It is normal to feel...

Understanding Leg Numbness and Pain with Low Blood Pressure: A Cardiovascular Perspective

Hello Doctor, my father is 63 years old. A year ago, he experienced numbness and tingling in his legs, and an orthopedic surgeon performed surgery for "lumbar disc nerve adhesion." However, his symptoms did not improve post-surgery; in fact, they worsened! The severity ...

Dr. Li Han reply Cardiology
Hello, regarding your inquiry about your father's condition of having dark purple microvascular changes in his feet, experiencing tingling and exacerbated hypotension while sitting or standing, but relief of symptoms when lying down, could this be indicative of "lower e...

Do I Need Surgery for My Varicose Veins and Discolored Toes?

Hello doctor, I have a question. My ankles and toes have become dark due to varicose veins, and my toenails seem to have changed color as well. However, the veins in my calves are not bulging out like a severe case. Do I need surgery for this?

Dr. Huang Junxiong reply Surgery
Hello: Since this is related to cardiovascular surgery, a cardiovascular surgeon will respond to you! Based on your description, it may be varicose veins accompanied by hyperpigmentation and stasis dermatitis. Please come to the outpatient clinic for a physical examination and ne...