Symptom 6. Swollen Ankles and Feet: The Unseen Result of Aortic Stenosis
Aching feet after a long day is common, but if your ankles and feet regularly swell, it could be more than just fatigue. Swelling, or edema, in these areas is an unseen result of aortic stenosis, a symptom often dismissed or overlooked.
Edema in aortic stenosis is like an intruder that slips in unnoticed. It might start subtly, with your shoes feeling a bit snug, your ankles losing definition. As the days pass, the swelling becomes more pronounced, your feet and ankles taking on a puffy appearance, transforming your familiar limbs into something alien.
So, what’s the connection between aortic stenosis and swollen feet? It all comes down to blood flow. Aortic stenosis, by narrowing the exit door of the heart, can cause a backup of blood in the circulatory system. Think of it as a traffic jam in your blood vessels, with the feet and ankles being the areas most affected due to gravity.
This backed-up fluid leaks out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues, causing them to swell. The swelling can be uncomfortable, leading to a heavy, bloated feeling in the feet. Sometimes, the skin over the swollen areas might even appear shiny or stretched.
Swollen ankles and feet can significantly impact daily life, affecting mobility and comfort. It’s like wearing shoes two sizes too small; every step becomes a chore, every movement a challenge.
Thus, recurrent or persistent swelling in the feet and ankles calls for a check under the hood. It’s a stealthy sign of aortic stenosis, a silent alarm bell. If your feet resemble overstuffed sausages, or if your ankles seem to have vanished into swollen masses, aortic stenosis might be lurking behind the curtain. Your body might be sending signals via these symptoms, signaling a need for a deeper look into your heart health. (6)
