There is no cure for heart failure and it typically gets worse over time with around half of patients dying within five years
The NHS has urged people to look out for an uncomfortable symptom in the legs that could signal a potentially fatal medical problem. According to the health body, swelling in the legs is a warning sign of heart failure.
Known as oedema, this condition can also affect the feet and ankles, making it uncomfortable to walk. The symptom may be better in the morning and “get worse later in the day”, the NHS explains.
Heart failure occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood around the body properly. It usually happens because the heart has become too weak or stiff.
The NHS says: “Heart failure is a long-term condition that tends to get gradually worse over time. It cannot usually be cured, but the symptoms can often be controlled for many years.”
Experts at Medical News Today explain that heart failure causes increased blood pressure in the blood vessels due to the fact the heart is unable to pump as effectively as it should. “This elevation in pressure forces fluid out of the blood vessels and into the surrounding tissues, resulting in swelling, or oedema,” they said.
Oedema may look like:
- Swollen or puffy ankles, feet or legs
- Shiny or stretched skin
- Changes in skin colour, discomfort, stiffness and dents when you press on the skin
It can also be caused by:
- Standing or sitting in the same position for too long
- Eating too much salty food
- Being overweight
- Being pregnant
- Taking certain medicines – such as some blood pressure medicines, contraceptive pills, Hormone therapy, antidepressants or steroids
- An injury – such as a strain or sprain
- An insect bite or sting
- Problems with your kidneys or liver
- A blood clot
- An infection
Other signs of heart failure include:
- Breathlessness – this may occur after activity or at rest; it may be worse when you’re lying down, and you may wake up at night needing to catch your breath
- Fatigue – you may feel tired most of the time and find exercise exhausting
- Feeling lightheaded and fainting
- A persistent cough, which may be worse at night
- Wheezing
- A bloated tummy
- Loss of appetite
- Weight gain or weight loss
- Confusion
- A fast heart rate
- A pounding, fluttering or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Some people with heart failure may also experience feelings of depression and anxiety. The NHS adds: “See your GP if you experience persistent or gradually worsening symptoms of heart failure.
“Call 999 for an ambulance or go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department as soon as possible if you have sudden or very severe symptoms.”
