The NHS has urged people to look out for a symptom in the legs that could signal a potentially fatal medical problem.
The NHS is warning people to look out for an uncomfortable symptom in the legs that could indicate a potentially deadly health issue. The health organisation says that leg swelling is a red flag for heart failure.
This condition, known as oedema, can also impact the feet and ankles, making walking a challenge. According to the NHS, this symptom may improve in the morning but “get worse later in the day”.
Heart failure happens when the heart struggles to circulate blood around the body effectively. It’s typically due to the heart becoming too weak or rigid.
The NHS explains: “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.”
Medical News Today experts clarify that heart failure leads to increased blood pressure in the blood vessels because the heart isn’t pumping as efficiently 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 explained.
Oedema might appear 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 triggered 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 indications 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 individuals with heart failure may also suffer from feelings of depression and anxiety.
The NHS advises: “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 (AandE) department as soon as possible if you have sudden or very severe symptoms.”