Swelling of feet might be sign of heart problem

If you are witnessing swelling in your feet, ankles and leg you need to watch out, it might be the beginning of your heart problem, warns city based cardiologists. Apparently these kind of cases are more common among elderly.

Swelling of the legs and ankles is caused by fluid accumulation in the body, which can be a sign of heart problem. Heart failure happens when the heart cannot pump enough blood effectively out of the heart to other parts of the body. It is when the heart fails to meet the body's requirement. This can be caused by a number of reasons which includes weak cardiac muscles, narrowed heart valve, heart-valve leakage, or both. The body needs more blood and the heart cannot supply enough, such as in people with anaemia or those in shock.

Speaking to dna, Dr Yogesh Kothari, senior consultant, interventional cardiology and electro physiology, Apollo Hospitals said, "Swelling of feet is one of the main symptoms of heart failure and this would be accompanied by difficulty in walking and breathing problem. It is more commonly seen among elderly people, those above 65-years-old. Around 30% of elderly people and 5% of young people face this problem. It is also noted that these kind of cases have been slightly increasing. Everyday I am seeing about two-three patients coming with complaints of swelling of legs and ankles and on examination they are diagnosed to have cardiac problem."

"It is important to understand the cause. Most of it will be due to poor blood pressure control, diabetes, genetic, untreated heart disease, lifestyle change and poor dietary habits. Once you observe the symptoms of swelling feet and ankles it is advisable to undergo the tests and go for preventive measures, followed by prescribed medication", he added.

Yet another city based cardiologist, Dr Rajpal Singh, interventional cardiologist, Fortis Hospital further stressed on saying that swelling in your feet, ankles and legs should not be ignored. Once it comes to your notice, it should be checked immediately. He said: "The legs and ankles swells up when the heart cannot pump enough blood effectively out of the heart to other parts of your body. When this gradually progresses it leads to difficulty in walking and breathing problem."

If the symptoms persists, one needs to check the salt intake and the fluid content in your body. To be on safer side it is advisable to undergo cardiac MRI, ECG and follow up with medication immediately, Dr Rajpal added.