Symptom 10: Swelling in the Lower Extremities: A Troublesome Bloat
Finally, you returned home after hustling and bustling day-full-of-work. Do you ever noticed a surprising tightness in your shoes or indentations on your skin from your socks? Swelling in the lower extremities, such as the ankles and feet, could be more than just a sign of being on your feet all day; it could be a symptom of angina.
This swelling, known as edema, occurs when excess fluid gets trapped in the body’s tissues. In the case of angina, the heart’s inability to pump blood effectively can cause fluid to back up in the veins, leading to bloating in the lower parts of the body.
Edema related to angina is usually noticeable in the ankles and feet because gravity makes it easier for fluid to accumulate in these areas. It’s a swelling that doesn’t resolve with rest, a persistent puffiness that’s evident even after a good night’s sleep.
The swelling can range from a slight puffiness, barely noticeable, to a significant bloating that makes shoes and socks feel tight. It’s generally painless but can cause discomfort due to the tightness of the skin and the heaviness of the limbs.
Swelling in the lower extremities could easily be attributed to a long day, a high-salt diet, or even the weather. But when it’s persistent and unexplained, particularly when accompanied by other symptoms of angina, it’s important to consider it might be a sign of something more serious. The body has a myriad of ways to signal that something’s amiss; swelling in the ankles and feet could be one of those ways. (10)
