Symptom 4: Swelling in Legs, Ankles, and Feet (Edema)
Another hallmark symptom of diastolic heart failure is edema, specifically in the lower extremities. Edema refers to swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body’s tissues. In the context of heart failure, this fluid accumulation occurs because the heart’s reduced pumping capacity can’t keep up with returning blood via the veins.
As a result, blood can back up in your veins, causing fluid to accumulate in the tissues of the legs, ankles, and feet. This swelling is often more apparent at the end of the day, and can be especially noticeable in the ankles. You may find that your shoes feel tight, or there might be indentation marks on your skin from your socks.
It’s also worth noting that the swelling can extend to other areas. Some patients might experience abdominal bloating or an enlarged liver due to fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, a condition known as ascites.
While occasional swelling of the legs can be attributed to long periods of standing or sitting, chronic or persistent edema should be evaluated for heart health. Don’t neglect these physical changes; they could be your body’s way of signaling a heart problem. (4)
