Heart failure is a chronic condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood around the body effectively
A rarely recognised warning sign affecting your ankles could be “one of the most common” red flags for a life-threatening condition. Swollen ankles and legs might indicate heart failure.
Heart failure develops when the heart battles to circulate blood efficiently throughout the body, often due to becoming too frail or stiff. This persistent condition usually worsens progressively over time. Whilst typically incurable, the symptoms can often be controlled for many years. In a recent alert, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) cautioned the public about crucial warning signals to monitor.
The BHF stated: “You may hear your doctor or nurse talk about ‘stages of heart failure’ or ‘classes of heart failure’. This refers to a classification system that helps to describe how bad your symptoms are and how much they affect the quality of your daily life.
“It can help your healthcare team plan the best treatment and support for you. The most commonly used classification system is based on the New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification. It divides heart failure into four classes,” reports Surrey Live.
This evaluation depends on your physical ability to perform activities and related symptoms. The charity highlights these signs include shortness of breath, fatigue, and abnormal heart rhythm.
The organisation continued: “While it’s not measured as part of the NYHA scale, the NHS also lists swollen ankles and legs – caused by a build-up of fluid – as one of the most common symptoms of heart failure.”
This medical ailment, referred to as oedema, can pose a significant obstacle to walking. The NHS highlights that it may seem to improve in the morning but “get worse later in the day”.
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Experts from Medical News Today explain that heart failure leads to heightened blood pressure within the vessels due to the heart’s inability to pump efficiently. “This elevation in pressure forces fluid out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling, or oedema,” they elaborate.
Oedema is marked by symptoms such as swollen or puffy ankles, feet, or legs, skin that appears shiny or stretched, changes in skin colour, discomfort, stiffness, and skin indentations upon pressing.
Additional signs of heart failure encompass breathlessness following exertion or at rest, which may escalate when lying down, leading to waking up gasping for air.
Fatigue is another symptom, often resulting in a constant feeling of tiredness and making physical activity draining. Dizziness and fainting spells are further potential indicators.
Less common symptoms of heart failure can present as a persistent cough, often worsening at night, along with wheezing, abdominal bloating, changes in appetite, and weight fluctuations. Moreover, individuals may experience confusion, an increased heart rate, and palpitations characterised by pounding, fluttering, or irregular heartbeats.
It is not rare for individuals battling heart failure to also grapple with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. The NHS advises: “See your GP if you experience persistent or gradually worsening symptoms of heart failure.”
Moreover, it directs: “Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (AandE) department as soon as possible if you have sudden or very severe symptoms.”