4. Swelling of the Legs, Ankles, and Feet: The Visible Manifestation of Heart Struggles
One of the more visible symptoms of chronic systolic heart failure is the swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet, medically referred to as peripheral edema. This swelling is a result of fluid accumulation in these areas, a common consequence of the heart’s diminished pumping capacity.
In chronic systolic heart failure, the inefficient heart struggles to pump blood against gravity to the upper body from the lower extremities. This inefficiency leads to a backlog of blood in the lower limbs, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues and result in noticeable swelling.
The swelling can range from mild to severe and is typically more pronounced at the end of the day due to the effect of gravity when standing or sitting for extended periods. The swelling may leave an indentation when the skin is pressed, a condition known as pitting edema.
Interestingly, this symptom often presents alongside others, such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, and rapid weight gain, creating a symptom cluster that is hard to ignore. Hence, persistent swelling in the lower extremities, especially when combined with other heart failure signs, is a significant cause for concern and should prompt immediate medical intervention. (4)
