Symptom 11: Swelling of Legs, Feet, and Ankles: An Indirect Warning of Heart Trouble
Swelling in the lower extremities, specifically in the legs, feet, and ankles, can be an indirect warning sign of heart disease. Imagine noticing that your shoes feel tight or your socks are leaving imprints on your skin. This visible puffiness, particularly when consistent and unexplained by other factors such as prolonged standing or a sprained ankle, could be a sign of a heart struggling to function properly.
The swelling, medically termed as edema, can present in various ways. You might notice a puffiness or bloating in the affected area, or you may observe an indentation on the skin after pressing on the swollen spot. The area might feel stiff or uncomfortable, and the skin might appear shiny or stretched.
Often, people tend to attribute this swelling to less severe causes like spending too much time on their feet, consuming too much salt, or aging. While these factors can indeed cause edema, persistent swelling that doesn’t improve with rest or elevation of the legs may signal heart trouble.
The connection between this swelling and heart disease lies in the heart’s reduced ability to pump blood effectively. This inefficiency can lead to fluid accumulation in the body’s tissues, showing up as swelling in the lower extremities due to gravity’s effect.
What makes this symptom complex is its gradual, almost imperceptible onset. You might not notice this signal until it has progressed significantly, leading to discomfort or difficulty in moving the affected area. If your feet and legs are swelling up, it’s time to pay attention. You might think it’s just a symptom of being on your feet all day or sitting for too long, but there could be more to it. The puffiness in your feet and legs might be a sign that your heart is struggling to pump blood effectively. Don’t let it pass unnoticed, it might be a silent plea from your heart. (11)
