Heart Trouble and Puffy Feet: A Guide, Remedies, and Extra Information
In the everyday hustle and bustle of life, it's easy to overlook minor changes in our bodies. However, swelling in the feet or ankles could be a sign of a more serious underlying condition, such as heart failure. Here's what you need to know.
If you experience sudden, severe, and painful swelling in your feet or ankles, it's crucial to speak with a doctor. Similarly, if you notice swelling for no obvious reason, or if your symptoms aren't responding to home treatment, it's essential to seek medical advice.
Swollen feet can be a sign of heart disease or other health issues. In the case of heart failure, the weakened pumping ability of the heart causes fluid to build up in the body, leading to a condition known as peripheral edema. This swelling is often noticeable as tight shoes or marks left by socks on the skin.
Heart failure can also lead to other symptoms such as difficulty breathing, especially when lying down or during exercise, fatigue, and fluid retention. If you notice shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, particularly when lying flat or at night, or if you're experiencing frequent waking at night due to coughing or breathing difficulty, it's important to consult a healthcare provider.
Weight gain from fluid accumulation, palpitations or irregular heartbeats, dizziness or fainting episodes, and swelling that may also involve the legs, ankles, and abdomen in more severe cases, are also indicative of heart failure.
It's essential to remember that numerous other conditions can cause swelling in the feet, including pregnancy, blood clots, organ failure, long periods of standing or sitting, injuries, venous insufficiency, lymphedema, infection, and cellulitis.
Heart failure is a life-threatening medical condition that requires ongoing support from a cardiologist and may necessitate taking heart medication for the rest of one's life. Treatment can greatly prolong a person's life and reduce their symptoms. This may include medication, implantable devices, heart transplants, cardiac interventions and surgery, fluid restrictions with diuretics, and at-home blood pressure monitoring or regular heart health checkups by a doctor.
Lifestyle changes can also improve the quality of life for people living with heart failure. Reducing the amount of salt in one's diet, increasing physical activity, managing stress, avoiding or quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake are all beneficial.
If you suddenly gain weight for no apparent reason, or if you're experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it's important to speak with a doctor as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a significant difference in managing heart failure.
In conclusion, while swollen feet may seem like a minor issue, they could be a sign of a more serious condition. If you're concerned, don't hesitate to speak with a doctor. Your health is worth prioritising.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Heart failure. [online] Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/heart-failure/symptoms-causes/syc-20371633 [Accessed 26 Mar. 2023].
[2] NHS. (2023). Heart failure. [online] Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/heart-failure/ [Accessed 26 Mar. 2023].
[3] American Heart Association. (2022). Peripheral edema. [online] Available at: https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure/symptoms-causes-of-heart-failure/peripheral-edema [Accessed 26 Mar. 2023].
[4] Cleveland Clinic. (2022). Peripheral edema. [online] Available at: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16777-peripheral-edema [Accessed 26 Mar. 2023].
[5] MedlinePlus. (2022). Peripheral edema. [online] Available at: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003104.htm [Accessed 26 Mar. 2023].
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