Symptom 8: Swelling in the Ankles, Legs, and Feet – The Fluid Footprints
Swelling, particularly in the lower extremities, is a symptom that may appear innocuous but can be a tell-tale sign of AFIB. When the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently due to the irregular rhythm caused by AFIB, the blood can back up in the veins. This can lead to fluid accumulation in the tissues, a condition known as edema.
Edema often affects the ankles, legs, and feet, leaving visible signs of swelling. This swelling can range from mild to severe, with the skin appearing stretched and shiny at its worst. At times, it may also lead to discomfort or a feeling of heaviness in the affected areas.
One of the intriguing aspects of this symptom is its deceptive simplicity. It’s easy to dismiss swelling in the lower extremities as a sign of being on your feet too long or a result of a high-sodium diet. However, in the context of AFIB, it’s a testament to the heart’s struggle, a visible marker of the body’s battle against fluid accumulation.
Therefore, swelling in the ankles, legs, and feet is an essential symptom of AFIB. It serves as a fluid footprint, an external indication of the heart’s internal fibrillation. It underscores the necessity of not overlooking the seemingly simple signs that our bodies show us. (8)
