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Foot and Ankle Swelling Could Lead to Heart Disease

by Sudha Bhat on April 1, 2016 at 11:08 AM
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The term �heart disease' refers to many types of heart conditions such as coronary heart disease or heart attack. Edema or swelling of the legs or ankles could indicate a serious heart condition.

What Causes Swelling of the Legs or Ankles?

Fluid accumulation in the body due to various reasons could lead to retention of fluid in the leg region, which in medical terms is known as peripheral edema. Your shoes might feel tighter than usual or you might be unable to wear them if the swelling is really bad.


Some of the causes of fluid buildup are:

‘Heart failure is a serious condition. Ankle or leg swelling could indicate a serious underlying health issue leading to heart disease or heart failure.’

Congestive heart failure in which fluid builds up around the heart causing it to pump in an inefficient manner. This leads to blood and fluids backing up inside your lungs, abdomen and lower body amongst other parts.

Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys fail to filter waste from your body sufficiently, which could be due to certain acute or chronic diseases, kidney trauma or severe cases of dehydration. The body thus becomes overloaded with toxins.

Cardiomyopathy, which is referred to the disease of the heart tissue.

Thrombophlebitis or a blood clot, which occurs mainly in the leg region.

Lymphedema or blockage in the lymphatic system.

Certain medications used for hormone therapy, diabetes and high blood pressure.

Sitting for prolonged periods such as during long flights. Even standing for a long time could lead to fluid buildup.

Inflammation or injury in the legs which could be caused due to certain medical conditions such as cellulitis (bacterial skin infection), osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and sprain in the ankles amongst others.

Allergic reactions to certain foods, insect venom and to certain drugs such as angiotensin converting enzymes (ACE) inhibitors which are used to treat high blood pressure or heart failure.

Could Swelling of Legs and Ankles Lead to Heart Disease?

Tips to Reduce Leg Swelling

References:

  1. http://www.heartfailurematters.org/en_GB/Warning-signs/Increased-swelling-of-the-legs-or-ankles
  2. http://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/leg-swelling/basics/causes/sym-20050910
  3. https:www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003104.htm
  4. http://doc.med.yale.edu/heartbk/9.pdf
Source: Medindia

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