Your heart is one of the most crucial organs in the body, as it acts as a powerful pump, tirelessly circulating blood and ensuring oxygen and nutrients reach every cell in the body.
This continuous flow of blood is important for sustaining life, as it delivers the resources necessary for the body’s various functions and removes waste products.
However, when your heart is strained and struggling, either due to lifestyle choices, genetic predispositions, or underlying health conditions, it may send signals throughout the body. While unexplained fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain are some of the common signs, some people also complain of experiencing swollen ankles, also known as oedema.
Can Swollen Ankles Be A Sign Of A Struggling Heart?
Swollen ankles can be a sign of heart strain. According to Dr Sunrendra Nath Khanna, Chairperson, Adult Cardiac Surgery and Heart-Lung Transplant, Artemis Hospitals, Gurgaon, when the heart doesn’t pump blood well, like when someone has heart failure, blood starts to build up in the veins.
“This makes the pressure higher and pushes fluid out of blood vessels and into nearby tissues, especially in the ankles and lower legs,” he explains.
He further adds that hormones and the kidneys also try to keep more salt and water in the body, which makes the swelling worse. A 2022 study in Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine found that in heart failure, poor blood circulation triggers hormone changes that make the body hold on to salt and water, causing swelling, breathlessness, and fatigue. Because the heart and kidneys are closely linked, problems in one can worsen the other, making fluid buildup harder to control. Treatments focus on restoring fluid balance and protecting both organs.
Signs Of A Heart-Related Oedema
Oedema related to the heart usually shows up in several ways. Symptoms include:
- Swelling in both ankles, feet, or legs
- Symptoms are more noticeable in the evening
- Swelling that leaves marks when pressed, which is called pitting oedema.
- Other symptoms to watch out for include:
- Shortness of breath, especially when lying down or at night
- Tiredness
- A cough that won’t go away
- Sudden weight gain
- Heart palpitations, which is irregular heartbeat
- Feeling dizzy or confused
According to Dr Khanna, these symptoms often happen with heart failure and mean that fluid is building up or blood is not flowing well. “If you get tired easily, gain weight quickly, and your body swells, these could be early signs of heart problems.”
How Quickly Should You Seek Medical Help For Swollen Ankles?
It is crucial to seek immediate medical attention:
- If you suddenly get swelling
- If the swelling is very painful
- If only one leg is affected
- If it makes you feel warm or red
- If you have shortness of breath or chest pain
- If you notice rapid weight gain (if you gain 2-3 pounds in one day or 5 pounds in a week)
How To Reduce Your Risk Of Swelling Caused By Heart Issues?
There are many ways you can reduce your risk of swelling caused by heart issues. These include:
- Cutting down on salt can help lower it because salt makes your body hold on to more water.
- Weigh yourself every day so you can catch sudden weight gain early.
- When you put your legs up, blood flows back toward your heart instead of pooling in your feet. Gentle exercise, including walking, keeps blood flowing and stops stiffness.
- Taking care of other health issues, like being overweight or having sleep apnoea
Conclusion
While ankle swelling, or oedema, may seem like an unusual symptom of a heart problem, it is possible, and management is key. Not only is it important to recognise the signs, but it is also crucial to take prompt action. In addition to identifying the symptoms, you should also consult a doctor to understand the root cause of the problem, in case it isn’t heart-related.