Symptom 5: Swelling of Legs, Ankles, and Feet (Edema)
A less-known but significant symptom of ischemic cardiomyopathy is edema, a condition characterized by swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet. It happens because the heart’s reduced pumping capacity can cause blood to back up in the veins, leading to fluid accumulation in the body’s tissues.
Edema can be an uncomfortable and even painful condition. It may cause the skin to appear shiny or stretched, and a pit may be left on the skin when pressure is applied. In some cases, edema might also cause sudden weight gain or a decrease in urine output.
This symptom is a clear sign that the heart is not functioning as it should. It shows that the heart is failing to keep up with the body’s demands, leading to a fluid backlog. While this may not be an emergency situation, it’s a sign that treatment for ischemic cardiomyopathy may be necessary. (5)
