Symptom 10: Swelling in the Legs, Ankles, and Feet
The final symptom on our list is swelling in the lower extremities—legs, ankles, and feet. This condition, known as edema, is a result of fluid build-up in the body tissues. It might seem unrelated to a heart condition at first glance, but it’s actually a significant symptom of angina pectoris.
When the heart can’t pump blood efficiently, blood can back up in the veins of the legs, causing fluid to accumulate in the tissues. This can lead to noticeable swelling. It’s often more evident at the end of the day or in hot weather, and it may make your skin appear shiny or stretched.
Like other symptoms, edema is not unique to angina pectoris and can be a sign of other conditions, including kidney disease or liver disease. However, when swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet is seen along with symptoms such as chest discomfort or shortness of breath, it may indicate angina pectoris. (10)
