Heart Failure and Swollen Feet

Introduction

Swollen feet, also known as peripheral edema, can be a sign of heart failure. This condition occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood efficiently, leading to fluid retention in the lower extremities. Understanding the connection between heart failure and swelling is crucial for early diagnosis and management.

Why Does Heart Failure Cause Swelling?

Heart failure leads to fluid buildup because the weakened heart cannot circulate blood efficiently. This results in increased pressure in the veins, causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues, particularly in the feet, ankles, and legs.

Main Causes of Swelling in Heart Failure:

1. Reduced Cardiac Output – The heart fails to pump enough blood, leading to fluid accumulation in tissues.
2. Increased Venous Pressure – Blood backs up in the veins, causing fluid leakage.
3. Kidney Dysfunction – The kidneys retain more sodium and water due to poor circulation, worsening fluid retention.

Symptoms to Watch For

• Swelling in feet, ankles, and legs
• Shortness of breath
• Fatigue
• Rapid weight gain due to fluid buildup
• Difficulty lying flat due to fluid accumulation in the lungs

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis:

• Clinical examination – Checking for pitting edema (pressing on the swollen area leaves a dent).
• Echocardiogram – To assess heart pumping function.
• Blood tests – Checking markers like BNP (B-type natriuretic peptide).
• Chest X-ray – To look for fluid in the lungs.

Treatment:

1. Lifestyle changes:

   • Low-sodium diet – Helps prevent fluid retention.
   • Daily weight monitoring – Detects early fluid buildup.
   • Elevating legs – Reduces swelling.
   • Regular physical activity – Improves circulation.

2. Medications:

   • Diuretics (e.g., furosemide) – Help remove excess fluid.
   • Beta-blockers – Improve heart function.
   • ACE inhibitors – Reduce heart strain and fluid buildup.

3. Medical Interventions:

   • In severe cases, advanced treatments like pacemakers or heart transplantation may be needed.

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek medical attention if you have severe swelling, shortness of breath, or rapid weight gain, as these may indicate worsening heart failure.

Conclusion

Swollen feet can be an early warning sign of heart failure. Recognizing the symptoms and seeking timely medical care is essential for maintaining heart health and improving quality of life.

Source recommendations

1. American Heart Association Guidelines on Heart Failure

1. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIR.0000000000001063
2. https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-failure
3. https://professional.heart.org/en/guidelines-and-statements
4. https://www.heart.org/en/professional/quality-improvement/get-with-the-guidelines/get-with-the-guidelines-heart-failure
5. https://professional.heart.org/en/science-news/-/media/832EA0F4E73948848612F228F7FA2D35.ashx

2. European Society of Cardiology Guidelines on Heart Failure

1. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Acute-and-Chronic-Heart-Failure
2. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/42/36/3599/6358045
3. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Focused-Update-on-Heart-Failure-Guidelines
4. https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/article/44/37/3627/7246292
5. https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines