Symptom 9. Swelling of the Legs, Ankles, and Feet: The Unsuspected Sign of Unstable Angina
Edema or swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet might serve as an unsuspected sign of unstable angina. This isn’t the usual swelling that follows a sprain or the puffiness post a long flight. It’s an unprovoked swelling, an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the lower extremities.
Imagine this: your favorite pair of shoes suddenly feels too tight, your feet straining against the confines. Your socks leave deep impressions on your skin, the lines marking the extent of the swelling. It’s an unexpected puffiness, an unwelcome change disrupting your comfort.
In some instances, this swelling might extend to the legs. Your jeans might feel snug, the fabric digging into your skin. What once was a comfortable fit is now a struggle to button up. It’s a perplexing change, your body holding on to fluid, leading to the swelling.
Additionally, you might observe pitting edema, a condition where pressing the swollen skin leaves a dent for a few seconds. It’s an unusual phenomenon, your skin behaving like a sponge, the pressure leaving temporary imprints.(9)