5. Swelling in Your Legs, Ankles, and Feet – A Subtle Sign of Acute Systolic Heart Failure
Swelling or edema in the lower extremities is another subtle sign of acute systolic heart failure. When your heart isn’t able to pump blood effectively, the blood returning to the heart through the veins slows down. As a result, fluid can accumulate in the tissues of your legs, ankles, and feet, causing them to swell.
This swelling is typically more noticeable in the lower parts of your body due to gravity. As fluid gathers, you might observe a puffy, bloated appearance in your legs, ankles, and feet. Shoes may feel tighter, and socks might leave indentations on your skin. You may also notice that the swelling is more prominent at the end of the day, after you’ve been standing or sitting for long periods.
It’s important to note that the swelling is not painful in most cases, which can make it easy to dismiss as a sign of being on your feet too much or as a common sign of aging. However, when coupled with other symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue, it should be taken seriously as a potential indicator of acute systolic heart failure.
The excess fluid causing the swelling or edema is due to the heart’s inability to keep up with the body’s demands. As the blood flow from the legs and feet back to the heart slows down, it leads to a backup of fluid in the tissues. Over time, this fluid causes the visible swelling that we associate with edema.
Identifying this symptom early on can make a significant difference in managing acute systolic heart failure. Swelling in your legs, ankles, and feet is not just a minor inconvenience or a cosmetic concern; it could be a sign of your heart crying out for help. (5)
