Symptom 10: Swelling of Legs, Feet, and Ankles: Signs Below the Surface
Another possible, but less-known symptom of a heart attack is the swelling of legs, feet, and ankles. This symptom, known as peripheral edema, can indicate that your heart isn’t pumping blood as efficiently as it should. As a result, blood can back up in your veins, causing fluid to accumulate in your tissues.
The swelling can be significant enough to leave an indentation when you press on the swollen area. It’s often more apparent at the end of the day and can be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness. Shoes and socks may feel tighter than usual, and there may be discomfort associated with the swelling.
Peripheral edema isn’t a symptom to be dismissed lightly. It can be a sign of several serious conditions, including heart disease. If your heart isn’t pumping efficiently, fluid from your blood vessels can leak into surrounding tissues. The legs and ankles are common areas for this fluid buildup because of the effects of gravity. (10)
