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Heart disease can weaken your heart’s pumping action. When the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, blood can back up in the veins. This causes fluid to leak out of blood vessels and collect in the lower legs and feet. This fluid build-up is called oedema (swelling). In heart conditions such as heart failure, it is common to have swollen ankles or legs because of the excess fluid (King & Goldstein, 2022). This insight can help you identify warning symptoms early and seek timely treatment.
Heart Problems Cause Leg And Ankle Swelling
In heart failure, a weakened or stiff heart pumps blood inefficiently, causing it to back up and leak fluid into tissues. Poor cardiac output also triggers kidney-driven salt/water retention, worsening swelling. Termed congestive heart failure, this fluid buildup affects limbs, lungs, or abdomen, with swollen legs/ankles often signalling compromised heart function.
Common Symptoms To Watch For
Swollen ankles or feet combined with breathlessness, fatigue, or lightheadedness/fainting may indicate heart failure. Key signs or symptoms include shortness of breath, persistent coughing or wheezing, and exhaustion. Weakening of the heart chambers causes blood to pool in leg veins, leading to fluid leakage. Although swelling can result from non-cardiac causes (e.g., prolonged standing, pregnancy), its presence alongside cardiac symptoms suggests heart involvement. Oedema may also indicate kidney or liver dysfunction due to fluid retention caused by organ damage.
Managing Fluid Buildup And Heart Health
Treatment will aim to improve heart function and reduce fluid. The right medicines, lifestyle changes, and sometimes special devices or procedures can help your heart work better, ease your symptoms, and allow you to live longer with a better quality of life. Doctors often prescribe diuretics that help the body remove excess fluid. Other heart medications (for example, ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers) can also improve symptoms.
Alongside medical treatment, management typically combines lifestyle modifications:
- Elevation: Lie down and prop your legs up on pillows when resting to let gravity help fluid drain.
- Exercise: Gentle walking or ankle movements pump fluid out of your legs. Even moving your feet up and down can help.
- Low-salt diet: Eating less salt (sodium) can reduce fluid retention in the body.
- Compression stockings: Special support stockings from a pharmacy can prevent fluid from pooling.
Keeping An Eye On Your Health
Regular check-ups are essential, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of the condition. Always inform your doctor about any new symptoms. Monitoring weight daily can also help detect fluid retention early – a quick increase of a few kilograms might indicate fluid retention even before swelling becomes visible.
Leg and ankle swelling are common, but they should not be ignored if they persist, sometimes swelling is the first sign of heart failure.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why does heart disease cause swelling in the legs and ankles?
When the heart cannot pump blood effectively, especially in heart failure, blood can back up in the veins of the legs. This increased pressure causes fluid to leak out into surrounding tissues, leading to swelling, also known as oedema.
2. Are swollen feet always a sign of heart disease?
No, not always. Swollen feet can be caused by various factors, including prolonged standing, pregnancy, kidney issues, or vein disorders. However, if swelling occurs with symptoms like breathlessness or fatigue, it may indicate a heart issue and should be checked by a doctor.
3. When should I see a doctor about swollen ankles or legs?
You should see a doctor if the swelling:
- Persists or worsens
- Is accompanied by breathlessness or chest discomfort
- Occurs suddenly or in only one leg
4. Can swelling from heart disease be treated?
Yes. Doctors may prescribe medicines like diuretics to remove excess fluid. They may also suggest lifestyle changes and other heart medications to improve heart function and prevent fluid build-up.
5. How can I prevent fluid build-up in my legs?
- Elevate your legs when resting
- Avoid sitting or standing for long periods
- Cut down on salt in your diet
- Follow your doctor’s advice, especially if you have heart disease or high blood pressure
Book an Appointment at Gleneagles Hospitals
Swollen legs and ankles may seem minor, but they can be early warning signs of heart disease. If you or a loved one experiences persistent swelling, especially when paired with breathlessness, fatigue, or chest discomfort, do not delay. Early assessment and proper treatment can protect your heart and prevent serious complications.
If you have concerns about swelling, breathlessness, or other heart-related symptoms, contact us to book an appointment with a cardiologist in Malaysia at your nearest Gleneagles Hospitals. Our heart specialists are ready to provide professional advice and personalised care to support your health journey. You may also book an appointment via our website or download our My Health 360 application which can be obtained at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
