Sign 5. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, and Feet: Not Just From Standing Too Long
Edema, or swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, can be another telling sign of heart disease. While many might associate this symptom with standing or walking too much, persistent swelling can be a sign of a heart working overtime.
When your heart can’t pump fast enough, blood can back up in your veins, causing fluid to accumulate in the tissues of your legs, ankles, and feet. This leads to swelling, which can be noticeable and uncomfortable.
One key sign of edema related to heart disease is “pitting”. This means that when you press your finger into the swollen area, it leaves an indentation that stays for a few seconds before slowly returning to its normal shape.
Also, if you’re experiencing unexplained swelling—especially if it’s accompanied by other symptoms like shortness of breath or fatigue—it’s essential to seek medical advice. The earlier heart disease is detected, the more options you’ll have for treatment and management. (5)
