7. Swelling in Legs, Ankles, and Feet – The Swollen Signal of Heart Struggles
The seventh symptom we’ll address is swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet, also known as peripheral edema. This swelling can be an indication that your heart isn’t pumping blood effectively, leading to fluid accumulation in your body’s tissues.
When the heart’s pumping power is compromised, it can cause blood to back up in the veins, leading to fluid leakage into surrounding tissues. This can result in noticeable swelling, particularly in lower areas of the body due to gravity.
Swelling associated with heart issues is usually observed in both legs equally and may be accompanied by other symptoms such as shortness of breath or fatigue. Of course, leg swelling can also occur due to various other reasons, including prolonged standing or sitting, dietary factors, or certain medications. However, unexplained or persistent swelling should not be ignored and warrants a medical evaluation. (7)
