What tongue is expected in a patient with heart blood stagnation and symptoms like palpitations?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the tongue serves as a reflection of the body's internal condition, and its color, shape, and coating can provide critical insights into various health issues. In the case of heart blood stagnation, the primary concern is the disruption of blood flow, often leading to a range of symptoms, including palpitations.

A purple tongue is indicative of blood stasis or stagnation within the body. This presents as a darkened or purplish hue, which reflects the lack of proper circulation and the potential accumulation of blood in specific areas, particularly in relation to the heart. The presence of symptoms like palpitations reinforces the notion of blood stagnation, as the heart’s ability to function optimally is compromised when blood flow is obstructed.

The other tongue presentations listed would reflect different underlying conditions. For instance, a red tongue might suggest heat in the body, often associated with other types of imbalances rather than stagnation. Similarly, a swollen tongue with a thick-sticky-greasy coating could indicate dampness or phlegm accumulation, which are distinct from blood stagnation. Therefore, the purple tongue is the most fitting interpretation for a patient experiencing heart blood stagnation accompanied by palpitations, aligning perfectly