3. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, and Feet: A Silent Whisper of Cardiomyopathy
Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, medically known as edema, is another telltale sign of cardiomyopathy. If you’ve noticed your shoes fitting tighter than usual, or visible swelling in your legs and ankles by the end of the day, cardiomyopathy could be the culprit.
With cardiomyopathy, the heart’s efficiency to pump blood around the body declines. As a result, the kidneys may retain more fluid and sodium than necessary, leading to fluid buildup in your ankles, feet, legs, and sometimes, in your abdomen as well. This swelling can cause discomfort and difficulty in moving around.
It’s important to note that not all edema is due to cardiomyopathy. Factors such as prolonged standing or sitting, high salt intake, and certain medications can also lead to swelling. Nevertheless, if the swelling is persistent, gets worse over time, or is accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue, it warrants a visit to the doctor. (3)
