Foot swelling may be a sign of heart failure

Foot and ankle swelling, which is common during the summer months due to the hot weather, may not always be a temporary condition.

Edema that lasts for a long time, is seen in both legs, and leaves a hole when pressed with a finger, can be a sign of various systemic diseases, especially heart failure.

Explaining that heart-related edema differs from other swellings with some features, Altay said, "Edema that does not go away for a long time, occurs in both legs, and leaves a pit when pressed with a finger may be a sign of heart failure. Since heart failure is a systemic disease, edema usually occurs on both sides, not on one side. These edema increase during the day, decrease at night, and leave a hole when pressed with a finger." he said.

Emphasizing that heart failure does not always occur with shortness of breath, Altay said, "Heart failures are divided into right and left heart failure. While shortness of breath is more common in left heart failure, abdominal swelling and leg edema may be prominent in right heart failure. Therefore, heart failure can also be seen in a person who does not have shortness of breath." he said.

Stating that the swelling in the feet and legs is not only caused by heart diseases, Altay said that kidney and liver diseases, thyroid disorders, vein and lymph circulation problems, diseases leading to protein loss, excessive salt consumption and some blood pressure medications may also cause edema.

Stating that the swelling seen in one leg and the swelling seen in both legs suggest different causes, Altay said, "One-sided edema more often suggests venous, lymph circulation or arterial diseases, while bilateral edema suggests systemic problems such as heart, kidney, liver and hormonal diseases." he said.

Stating that people with persistent foot swelling should be evaluated by a physician, Altay explained that after the physical examination, echocardiography, blood tests, kidney and liver function tests, hormonal examinations and, if deemed necessary, vascular ultrasonography can be applied depending on the patient's condition.

Source: TRT Haber Sağlık RSS (Open Press / Translated Full Text)