People are being advised to be vigilant and watch for specific signs on their nails that could signal early-stage heart failure or liver disease, including cirrhosis, as your nails can provide crucial information about your overall health and highlight areas that may need closer examination.

Alterations in shape, the presence of ridges, bumps, and discoloration can all point to underlying health conditions, and since problems related to your liver, lungs, and heart can manifest in your nails, it is a good idea to monitor them regularly for any changes.

In most instances, issues with nails are not a cause for concern, with common problems including brittle nails that may change in color or shape, or become loose.

However, certain warning signs could suggest that you have early-stage heart failure or liver disease, and it would be wise to visit your general practitioner if you notice these symptoms, such as when the majority of your nail beds appear pale and washed out, accompanied by a thin reddish-brown strip near the tip, which could be indicative of 'Terry's nails'.

Terry's nails, named after the doctor who initially identified the symptom, is a form of nail discoloration where, in many cases, it indicates a chronic condition such as liver failure or diabetes, and those affected typically do not have the usual half-moon shape (lunula) near their cuticles, but instead, nearly the entire nail appears pale.

An example of Terry's nails can be seen in this image (Image: Hojasmuertas/Wikimedia).

Terry's nails can also be a signal of other underlying health conditions, including cirrhosis, congestive heart failure, kidney failure, and viral hepatitis, and in some cases, it can simply be a sign of aging, as the number of blood vessels near your nail beds may decrease, so if you suspect you might have Terry's nails, it would be a good idea to visit your general practitioner for a proper assessment and treatment.

The appearance of Terry's nails can improve once the underlying condition causing the symptoms is addressed, and although pressing on your nail beds may temporarily make the discoloration disappear, this is not a cure for Terry's nails.

A study titled 'Terry's Nails: A Sign of Systemic Disease' published in 2017 stated that 'although the abnormality can occur with normal aging, Terry's nails can also be an indication of an underlying medical condition, most notably cirrhosis, chronic renal failure, and congestive heart failure.'

Other early symptoms of heart failure can include feelings of fatigue, shortness of breath, or swelling in the legs, and meanwhile, in the early stages, cirrhosis usually does not exhibit many symptoms, or sometimes none at all, but when symptoms do appear, they are often mild and not very clear, with some early signs to watch for including persistent tiredness, unintended weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and minor pain or discomfort in the abdominal or liver area.

Regularly checking your fingernails can help you determine what is normal and what is not, allowing you to identify any potential issues early on.

According to the National Health Service (NHS), nails naturally change over time, and it is perfectly normal for nails to undergo these changes.

Fingernails that fall off following an injury should grow back within six months, whereas toenails can take up to 18 months to fully regrow.

The majority of nail problems are caused by various factors, including trauma, infections, or skin conditions.

That being said, nail problems can occasionally be a sign of a more serious or long-term condition, such as heart disease, liver disease, or other systemic diseases.

Certain medications can also trigger nail problems, so it is worth checking the side effects of any medicine you are currently taking to see if nail issues are a potential concern.

By being aware of these potential signs and symptoms, you can take a proactive approach to maintaining your overall health and seeking medical attention if necessary.