Symptom 6. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, and Feet: Signals from the Lower Extremities
Did you know that your legs, ankles, and feet could be providing insight into your heart health? It might sound surprising, but peripheral edema, or swelling in the lower extremities, is a common symptom of certain heart conditions. When your heart isn’t pumping blood efficiently, it can lead to a buildup of fluid in various body tissues—a condition referred to as edema.
Peripheral edema typically starts subtly. You might notice that your shoes or socks are feeling tight by the end of the day. With time, however, the swelling may become more pronounced and may not improve with rest or overnight. The skin over the swollen area may appear shiny or stretched, and it might retain a fingerprint after being pressed for a moment.
The connection between the heart and swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet lies in the organ’s fundamental function—pumping blood. Under normal circumstances, your heart maintains a steady and robust blood flow, which is crucial for the removal of fluids and waste products from your body tissues. (6)
