Warning signs and symptoms of heart disease: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

Heart disease often develops over time. You may have early signs or symptoms long before you have serious heart problems. Or, you may not realize you are developing heart disease. The warning signs of heart disease may not be obvious. Also, not every person has the same symptoms.

Certain symptoms, such as chest pain, ankle swelling, and shortness of breath may be signals that something is wrong. Learning the warning signs can help you get treatment and help prevent a heart attack or stroke.

Chest pain is discomfort or pain that you feel along the front of your body, between (and including) your neck and upper abdomen. There are many causes of chest pain that have nothing to do with your heart.

But chest pain is still the most common symptom of poor blood flow to the heart or a heart attack. This type of chest pain is called angina.

Chest pain can occur when the heart is not getting enough blood or oxygen. The amount and type of pain can vary from person to person. The intensity of the pain does not always relate to how severe the heart problem is.

• Some people may feel a crushing pain, while others feel only mild discomfort.
• Your chest may feel heavy or like someone is squeezing your chest or heart. You may also feel a sharp, burning pain in your chest.
• You may feel the pain under your breastbone (sternum, so the pain is called substernal) or in your neck, arms, stomach, jaw, or upper back.
• Chest pain from angina often occurs with activity or emotion, and goes away with rest or a medicine called nitroglycerin.
• Bad indigestion can also cause chest pain.

Women, older adults, and people with diabetes may have little or no chest pain. Some people have symptoms other than chest pain, such as:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• General weakness
• Change in skin color or greyish pallor (episodes of change in skin color associated with weakness)

Other symptoms of a heart attack can include:

• Extreme anxiety
• Fainting or loss of consciousness
• Lightheadedness or dizziness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Palpitations (feeling like your heart is beating too fast, too strongly, or irregularly)
• Shortness of breath
• Sweating, which may be very heavy

When the heart can’t pump blood as well as it should, blood backs up in the veins that go from the lungs to the heart. Fluid leaks into the lungs and causes shortness of breath. This is a symptom of heart failure.

You may notice shortness of breath:

• During activity
• While you’re resting
• When you’re lying flat on your back — it may even wake you from sleep

Coughing or wheezing that doesn’t go away can be another sign that fluid is building up in your lungs. You may also cough up mucus that is pink or bloody.

Swelling (edema) in your lower legs is another sign of a heart problem. When your heart doesn’t work as well, blood flow slows and backs up in the veins in your legs. This causes fluid to build up in your tissues.

You may also have swelling in your stomach or notice some weight gain.

Narrowing of the blood vessels that bring blood to other parts of the body is not the same as heart disease but it may mean you have a much higher risk for heart attack than you otherwise would. It can occur when cholesterol and other fatty material (plaque) build up on the walls of your arteries.

Poor blood supply to the legs may lead to:

• Pain, achiness, fatigue, burning, or discomfort in the muscles of your feet, calves, or thighs.
• Symptoms that often appear during walking or exercise, and go away after several minutes of rest.
• Numbness in your legs or feet when you are at rest. Your legs may also feel cool to the touch, and the skin may look pale.

A stroke occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain stops. A stroke is sometimes called a “brain attack.” Symptoms of stroke can include difficulty moving the limbs on one side of your body, one side of the face drooping, loss of sensation on one side of your body, difficulty with speaking or understanding language.

Tiredness can have many causes. Sometimes it simply means that you need more rest. But feeling run down can be a sign of a more serious problem. Fatigue may be a sign of heart trouble when:

• You feel much more tired than normal. It’s common for women to feel severely tired before or during a heart attack.
• You feel so tired that you can’t do your normal daily activities.
• You have sudden, severe weakness.

If your heart can’t pump blood as well, it may beat faster to try to keep up. You may feel your heart racing or throbbing. A fast or uneven heartbeat can also be the sign of an arrhythmia. This is a problem with your heart rate or rhythm.

If you have any signs of heart disease, call your health care provider right away. Don’t wait to see if the symptoms go away or dismiss them as nothing.

Call 911 or the local emergency number if:

• You have chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack
• You know you have angina and have chest pain that doesn’t go away after 5 minutes of rest or after taking nitroglycerin
• You think you may be having a heart attack
• You become extremely short of breath
• You think you may have lost consciousness

Angina – heart disease warning signs; Chest pain – heart disease warning signs; Dyspnea – heart disease warning signs; Edema – heart disease warning signs; Palpitations – heart disease warning signs

Goff DC Jr, Lloyd-Jones DM, Bennett G, et al. 2013 ACC/AHA guideline on the assessment of cardiovascular risk: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines. Circulation. 2014;129(25 Suppl 2):S49-S73. PMID: 24222018 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24222018/.

Gulati M, Bairey Merz CN. Cardiovascular disease in women. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 91.

Morrow DA, de Lemos J. Stable ischemic heart disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Tomaselli GF, Bhatt DL, Solomon SD, eds. Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 12th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 40.

Writing Committee Members; Lawton JS, Tamis-Holland JE, Bangalore S, et al. 2021 ACC/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Coronary Artery Revascularization. J Am Coll Cardiol. 2022,79 (2):e21–e129. PMID: 34895950 pubmed. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34895950/.

Updated by: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Associate Professor of Medicine, Division of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington Medical School, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

Browse the Encyclopedia

Heart failure and swollen feet: Link, treatment, and more

Heart failure can cause swelling in the feet and other parts of the body, such as the abdomen. The swelling may come and go, but it often lasts for long periods.

Heart failure causes fluid retention in the body, and this can lead to several conditions, including edema. Edema refers to swelling as a result of excess fluid, and it can affect various parts of the body, including the ankles and feet.

As many conditions or circumstances, including pregnancy, can cause swelling in the feet, it is important to see a doctor rather than try to self-diagnose.

In this article, we describe the signs and symptoms of heart failure that a person might experience alongside swollen feet. We also provide information on treatment, when a person should contact a doctor, and the other possible causes of swollen feet.

Heart failure is when the heart has more difficulty pumping blood through the body, leading to fluid accumulation elsewhere in the body, especially in the feet and legs.

A person may experience the following issues:

• feet suddenly looking larger or puffy
• shoes are not fitting as well as usual
• pain in their feet or legs
• more difficulty walking
• swelling elsewhere in their body, such as the abdomen
• unexplained weight gain

Swelling in the feet and ankles may be less severe when a person first wakes and worsen as their day goes on.

Some other symptoms of heart failure that a person might notice include:

• getting easily winded
• finding exercise difficult
• unexplained fatigue or weakness, even if a person is well-rested
• pain in the right upper stomach, under the ribs
• heart palpitations
• difficulty breathing while lying flat

Heart failure is a life threatening medical condition that a person cannot treat with home remedies or lifestyle changes alone. Most people require the ongoing support of a cardiologist and some may need to take heart medication for the rest of their lives.

Lifestyle adjustments

For people living with heart failure, behavioral changes can make a significant difference in their quality of life. A person can adopt the following measures:

• Reducing the amount of salt in the diet: High-sodium foods include prepackaged, fried, and processed foods, such as prepared meals and potato chips. The body needs some sodium to function, so it is important to not eliminate it from the diet. Instead, people should limit their sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day.
• Increasing, or maintaining, physical activity levels, where possible: A doctor should be able to provide advice on how to create and stick to a healthy exercise routine. Exercise can help the heart function more efficiently, and it may also address other risk factors, such as excess body weight and high blood pressure.
• Managing stress, where possible: People can practice stress management techniques, such as meditation, therapy, or journaling. People with heart failure may find that their symptoms get worse during emotional crises.
• Alcohol and tobacco: People should avoid or quit smoking and limit or avoid their intake of alcohol.

Learn how to follow a heart-healthy diet here.

It is also important for a person to monitor their symptoms. A doctor may recommend at-home blood pressure monitoring or regular heart health checkups.

People can check their own blood pressure at home. Learn how to do this here.

Medical treatment

There is no cure for heart failure, but treatment can greatly prolong a person’s life and reduce their symptoms. A doctor may recommend the following treatments:

• Medication: A combination of medications can help, including beta-blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, and sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) Inhibitors, among others. The right drugs for a person will depend on their type of heart failure, lifestyle, and other medical conditions.
• Implantable devices: Various devices can help the heart work better. A left ventricular assist device, for example, can help the left ventricle work better and reduce the overall effort of the heart. It can be a good option for a person who is waiting for a heart transplant.
• Implantable cardioverter defibrillators (ICDs): A doctor may recommend an ICD in certain people with heart failure to reduce their risk of sudden cardiac death. It will not help the heart work better, however.
• Heart transplant: Some people with heart failure, especially those with severe heart failure, who have a good chance of survival with treatment, may need a heart transplant.
• Cardiac interventions and surgery: In some cases of heart failure, surgery may help. A cardiologist may perform various procedures, such as cardiac catheterization or coronary artery bypass surgery.
• Fluid restrictions: In people with heart failure who retain fluid, a doctor may recommend restricting their fluid and salt intake. Sometimes doctors prescribe diuretics, or “water pills,” to help a person get rid of excess fluid and help keep their fluids balanced.

People who notice unusual swelling in their feet should always call a doctor. A person should also speak with a doctor if they:

• know they have heart failure and notice new or worsening swelling
• have a high fever or feel shivery
• have swelling on just one side of the body
• have swelling in one or both feet or ankles for no obvious reason
• experience painful, severe, and sudden swelling
• have symptoms that are not responding to home treatment
• have swelling along with other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing
• develop painful or unpleasant side effects after they start taking a medication
• suddenly gain weight for no apparent reason
• have diabetes and their legs or ankles have swollen
• have a swollen area that is red and feels hot to the touch

Numerous other conditions can cause swelling in the feet, including:

• Pregnancy: Swollen feet during pregnancy are very common due to increased blood volume.
• Blood clots: A blood clot in the veins of the leg may cause swelling in one foot.
• Organ failure: Problems with other organs, such as the liver or kidneys, may cause swelling. Organ failure may also eventually affect the heart.
• Long periods of standing or sitting: Long periods of physical activity or standing may cause swelling that goes down when a person rests. Likewise, sitting for long periods, such as when flying, can also cause swelling that improves with movement. Sometimes, this swelling is worse in the heat. Instead of standing, sitting with the feet raised or walking around can help.
• Injuries: Injuries to the feet or legs can cause inflammation and swelling. In most cases, the swelling will be in just one foot.
• Venous insufficiency: In this condition, the veins in the legs do not function properly, potentially leading to a buildup of blood in the feet.
• Lymphedema: Lymphedema occurs when damage to the lymph system leads to the accumulation of fluids.
• Infection: Cellulitis, a skin and soft tissue infection, can affect the feet and cause swelling.

Learn whether certain causes of swelling are serious here.

The following images show how swollen feet can look due to heart failure and other causes.

Here are some questions people often ask about swollen feet and heart failure.

How do you get rid of swollen feet from heart failure?

It is essential to follow the treatment plan for heart failure to help manage symptoms. A doctor may also recommend diuretics to help eliminate some fluid from the body. Other tips include raising the feet when sitting, minimizing salt intake, avoiding tight footwear, getting some gentle exercise, and speaking with a doctor about how much water to drink.

At what stage of heart failure does edema happen?

Swollen feet can happen at any stage of heart failure, but worsening edema may mean that heart failure is becoming more severe.

Do swollen feet mean heart failure?

Swollen feet can be a sign of heart failure. When the heart is unable to pump blood around the body effectively, it pools in the lower extremities. However, swelling in the feet can happen for many reasons, such as kidney failure, lymphedema, a blood clot, an injury, or an infection, such as cellulitis.

When should I worry about swollen feet?

People should see a doctor if there is new or persistent swelling, or if their symptoms are severe. They should also seek medical help if they have a fever or other symptoms or if the swollen area feels red or hot to the touch.

Swollen feet do not always mean that a person has a serious medical condition. However, it can be an important early warning sign of heart disease or other health issues, particularly if it persists, recurs, or occurs alongside other symptoms.

Anyone with any concerns about swollen feet or other symptoms of heart failure should speak with a doctor as soon as possible.

Read this article in Spanish.

Page not found – Heart Failure Matters

News

ESC Guidelines for Diagnosis and Treatment of Heart Failure: What Patients Need to Know

More

Select language

Home » Error 404: Page not found

• Increase text size
  Reduce text size

• Print this page

• Send page by email

Sorry, the requested page was not found.

Most likely, the page you are looking for no longer exists or has been moved to another section.

Use the menu on the left or the site map to find the page you need.

If the problem persists and even after searching you cannot find the resource you are looking for, please email us at [email protected].

Thank you!

European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure

What patients need to know

This European Society of Cardiology (ESC) patient guide is a summary of the most current evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure.

In particular, it is designed to help patients understand:

• what are the main types of heart failure;
• what medicines are used to treat heart failure;
• which devices can be used;
• why full rehabilitation is important;
• how important is treatment by medical specialists of different profiles;
• how important it is to take care of yourself and control your condition.

To learn more

Download recommendations

ANIMATED JOURNEY OF HEART FAILURE

A series of simple and entertaining animated videos explaining heart failure and its treatment

These videos explain how a healthy heart works, what happens in heart failure, and how various treatments can help improve your health

How a healthy heart works

What happens in heart failure

How the heart and other organs adapt to heart failure

How heart failure causes fluid retention

How myocardial infarction can cause heart failure

How valve dysfunction causes heart failure

How vasodilators work in heart failure

How diuretics work in heart failure

How the auxiliary circulatory systems work in cardiac

VIDEOS OF PATIENTS AND STAFF

In this section you can see, hear or read interviews with other heart failure patients or caregivers

Fitness patient

Implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) patient

BLI as preparation for transplantation

Changing lifestyle and staying optimistic

Living with heart failure devices

Difficulty in making a diagnosis

Life with an artificial left ventricle (LVV)

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

And share your opinions and experiences with other patients, their families and carers.

https://www.facebook.com/heartfailurematters

heartfailurematters.org — website of the European Society of Cardiology

The website heartfailurematters.org was created under the direction of the Association of Heart Failure Specialists of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). ESC is a world leader in the discovery and dissemination of advanced methods of cardiovascular medicine. Our members and decision makers are medical professionals who volunteer their time and knowledge as cardiologists in Europe and beyond.

causes, symptoms and treatments

Contents

• 1 Swelling of the legs in heart failure: symptoms, causes and treatment
  • 1.1 Heart failure: an explanation of the concept
  • 1.2 How are heart failure and swelling of the legs related?
  • 1.3 Swelling of the legs in heart failure: causes, symptoms and treatment
    • 1. 3.1 What factors can lead to swelling of the legs in heart failure?
  • 1.4 What symptoms accompany swelling of the legs in heart failure?
  • 1.5 Diagnosis of leg swelling in heart failure
  • 1.6 Treatment of leg swelling in heart failure
  • 1.7 Medication for leg swelling in heart failure
  • 1.8 How can I change my lifestyle to reduce leg swelling in heart failure?
    • 1.8.1 Exercise and physical activity:
    • 1.8.2 Nutrition:
    • 1.8.3 Weight control:
    • 1.8.4 Stress avoidance:
    • 1.8.5 Take medication:
  • 1.9 Physical therapy for swelling of the legs due to heart failure

  9000 9 1.10 Diet for swelling of the legs in heart failure

  • 1.10.1 Avoid excess sodium intake
  • 1.10.2 Increase your protein intake
  • 1.10.3 Drink enough water
  • 1.10.4 Reduce fluid intake
  • 1.10.5 Eat regularly
  • 1.10.6 Control your weight
  • 1. 11 Operations and procedures for the treatment of leg swelling in heart failure
  • 1.12 Related videos:
  • 1.13 Q&A:
    • • 1.13.0.1 What symptoms may indicate edema legs in heart failure?
      • 1.13.0.2 What medicines can help with leg swelling?
      • 1.13.0.3 What methods can be applied independently to reduce swelling of the legs?
      • 1.13.0.4 How can leg edema be diagnosed in heart failure?
      • 1.13.0.5 What are the causes of leg swelling in heart failure?
      • 1.13.0.6 How often should I seek medical attention for swelling of the legs due to heart failure?

Edema of the legs in heart failure is a symptom that indicates a violation of blood circulation in the body. Find out the causes and treatments for leg swelling in people with heart failure on our website.

Heart failure is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body. One of the most common symptoms of heart failure is leg swelling. They occur due to impaired blood circulation and accumulation of fluid in the tissues of the legs.

Swelling of the legs may be the first sign of heart failure. They appear as swelling of the outer and inner parts of the legs. In addition, there may be swelling in the ankles, feet, and toes. This disease can occur in people of any age: from youth to the older age category.

If you do not pay timely attention to the appeared edema, the development of dangerous consequences is possible. Therefore, it is important to know the causes of edema and methods of their treatment, which will help prevent serious complications. In this article, you will learn what factors can cause leg swelling in heart failure, as well as how to properly diagnose and treat this disease.

Heart failure: an explanation of the concept

Heart failure (HF) is a pathological condition that develops as a result of a malfunction of the heart. In the human body, a certain blood supply to organs and tissues is necessary, and this is achieved through the work of the heart muscle.

There are many causes of heart failure, such as valvular disorders, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, radiation therapy, and hereditary heart disease.

How are heart failure and leg swelling related?

Heart failure is a serious heart disorder that causes an uncontrolled accumulation of fluid in body tissues, including the legs. That is why swelling of the legs is one of the most characteristic symptoms of heart failure.

When the heart is not working properly, the blood cannot circulate efficiently through the body. This leads to fluid retention in the tissues, which accumulates primarily in the lower extremities and causes edema. The formation of edema in the legs is the result of a reduced efficiency of the pumping function of the heart, which leads to a congestive state.

The fight against leg edema associated with heart failure is an important part of complex therapy and is highly effective together with conventional methods of treating heart failure.

Swelling of the legs in heart failure: causes, symptoms and treatment

What factors can lead to swelling of the legs in heart failure?

Swelling in the legs can be one of the first signs of heart failure because the heart cannot supply enough blood to the body. Factors that can cause leg swelling include:

• Poor circulation to the heart: The heart cannot contract and pump blood effectively, resulting in fluid buildup in the tissues.
• The veins are full of blood: in heart failure, blood can accumulate in the veins, which leads to swelling of the legs.
• Increased capillary pressure: in heart failure, the level of fluid in the blood vessels may be insufficient, which leads to increased pressure in the capillaries and edema.
• Problems with the lymphatic system: some cases of leg swelling may be due to problems with the lymphatic system, which removes excess fluid from the tissues.

If swelling of the legs occurs, you should consult a doctor to determine possible heart failure and treat accordingly.

What symptoms accompany swelling of the legs in heart failure?

Heart failure is a condition where the heart cannot pump blood efficiently throughout the body. Swelling of the legs is one of the symptoms of heart failure, which manifests itself in the later stages of the disease.

With prolonged heart failure, edema may spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, abdomen, face. In such cases, urgent medical attention is needed, as the patient’s condition may worsen to critical levels.

If you notice such symptoms, you should not postpone a visit to the doctor for a long time. Timely diagnosis and treatment of heart failure will avoid serious complications and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Diagnosis of swelling of the legs in heart failure

Edema of the legs is often one of the first signs of heart failure. In order to establish that edema is associated specifically with heart failure and determine its degree, various diagnostic methods are used.

1. Physical examination – The doctor examines the legs and looks for signs of swelling, such as increased leg volume on the legs, sock marks on the skin, dry skin and ulcers.
2. Ultrasound examination – allows you to evaluate the functional state of the heart, determine the presence and degree of impaired blood flow and blood volume in the legs. This method is prescribed by doctors only if necessary, after evaluating the results of previous studies.
3. Blood tests – can help doctors determine the cause of swelling, such as determining the level of electrolytes in the blood. If the level of sodium in the blood is low, this may indicate the presence of heart failure.

Depending on the results of the diagnosis, the doctor may prescribe additional tests to clarify the diagnosis and decide on treatment. Treatment of leg edema in heart failure should be carried out by a doctor and will depend on the severity of the disease and the presence of other concomitant diseases.

Treatments for swelling of the legs in heart failure

Swelling of the legs can be a sign of heart failure. The treatment of edema is aimed at improving the function of the heart and reducing the load on it. To start treatment, you need to contact a cardiologist to determine the exact cause of edema.

• Medicines that improve heart function. They help to improve the contractility of the heart, reduce the load and reduce swelling. They must be prescribed by a doctor.
• Treatment of concomitant diseases. If there are comorbidities such as hypertension or diabetes, these should also be treated.
• Limit fluid and salt intake. Limiting fluid and salt intake may help reduce the workload on the heart and reduce swelling.
• Compression therapy. Performing compression therapy with elastic bandages or socks may help reduce leg swelling.
• Diuretics. Diuretics may help remove fluid from the body and reduce swelling.

Treatment of leg edema in heart failure is a process that requires an individual approach and regular monitoring by a doctor. Following the doctor’s recommendations will help reduce the risk of complications and improve the patient’s quality of life.

Drug treatment for swelling of the legs due to heart failure

Various drugs are used to treat swelling in the legs due to heart failure. In most cases, drug therapy is given in combination with other therapies such as diet, exercise, and compression therapy.

Drugs used to treat swelling in the legs help reduce the load on the heart muscle and improve blood circulation in the vessels. These include:

• Diuretics. These are drugs that increase the excretion of fluid from the body by increasing the volume of urine. Among them are furosemide and hydrochlorothiazide.
• Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) and ACE inhibitors. They help lower blood pressure, reduce stress on the heart and blood vessels, and improve blood circulation in the legs. These include captopril, enalapril and others.
• Angiotensin II receptor blockers. These drugs help lower blood pressure, reduce the workload on the heart, and improve circulation in the legs. These include losartan, candesartan, and others.

The doctor prescribes the dosage and duration of taking medications based on the general condition of the patient and the diseases present in him.

How can I make lifestyle changes to reduce leg swelling in heart failure?

Exercise and physical activity:

Regular exercise is one way to reduce leg swelling. Simple exercises such as walking, swimming or cycling improve blood circulation, which leads to a reduction in swelling.

Nutrition:

Excessive fluid and salt intake should be avoided as this can aggravate leg swelling. It is recommended to increase the intake of protein and vitamins, as well as reduce the intake of fats and carbohydrates.

Weight management:

Being overweight can impair heart function and increase leg swelling. Therefore, weight control can help reduce swelling and improve heart health.

Stress avoidance:

Stress can worsen the condition of the heart, increase blood pressure and increase swelling in the legs. Avoid stressful situations and practice relaxing exercises like yoga or meditation.

Take your medicine:

If you have heart failure, take your medicine as prescribed by your doctor. It is also possible to use diuretics, which help remove excess fluid from the body, thereby reducing leg swelling.

Physical therapy for leg swelling in heart failure

Leg swelling in heart failure can be effectively treated through physical therapy. It includes various exercises to strengthen the lower body and increase blood circulation.

Physical exercises are also widely used to strengthen the muscles and increase blood circulation in the legs. It can be both moderate walking and special exercises designed for specific muscle groups.

An individual approach is very important in physical therapy in the treatment of leg edema in heart failure. It is best to work with a professional physical therapist who can develop the best exercise plan and monitor your progress.

• Compression therapy
• Moderate walking
• Exercises to strengthen muscles and increase blood circulation in the legs

Diet for swollen legs in heart failure

Avoid excessive sodium intake

Sodium, or salt, can retain fluid in the body, which can lead to swelling. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the amount of salt in the diet. Avoid ready meals, marinades, cold cuts and cheese.

Increase your protein intake

Protein helps keep the body hydrated and prevents fluid retention in the tissues. Include protein foods such as fish, chicken, seafood, eggs, and legumes in your diet.

Drink enough water

Controversial, but you need to drink plenty of water to reduce the risk of edema. Insufficient water intake can lead to fluid retention in the body. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

Reduce your fluid intake

If you have heart failure, it may be helpful to reduce your fluid intake. Do not reduce water, but stop drinking sugary drinks, strong tea, coffee and alcohol.

Eat regularly

Diet is of great importance in heart failure. Eat regularly and eat less but more often. Avoid overeating, which can lead to swelling.

Watch your weight

Watch your weight. Avoid rapid weight loss or weight gain, which can lead to edema and poor posture.

Foods recommended for consumption in case of edemaFoods to be excluded from the diet0010

• Salted foods
• Cheese

9 0009 Sausages

• Ready meals
• Strong tea and coffee
• Alcoholic drinks

Operations and procedures in the treatment of swelling of the legs in heart failure

Swelling of the legs often occurs in heart failure, when the heart is not able to pump blood efficiently. Most cases of leg swelling can be treated conservatively, but some cases may require surgery.

One possible procedure is sclerotherapy, which involves injecting salt or a special drug into the affected vein to narrow its walls. It helps reduce swelling and improve blood circulation.

Endovenous laser treatment may also be an effective procedure in the treatment of leg edema due to heart failure. This method involves using laser light to close off the affected veins, resulting in less swelling and more efficient blood circulation.

If conservative methods fail, surgery may be required. One of the commonly used methods is to normalize blood flow in the legs. This includes creating new channels for blood flow in the legs.

Some types of edema may require the use of a stent. A stent is a metal or plastic mesh that is inserted into an affected vein to keep it from expanding and losing its shape.

• Output: In the treatment of leg edema in heart failure, both conservative methods and surgical interventions can be used, including sclerotherapy, endovenous laser photocoagulation, normalization of blood flow in the legs and stenting.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What symptoms may indicate swelling of the legs in heart failure?

Swelling of the legs may be accompanied by a feeling of heaviness and tension in the legs, pain when walking, inability to put on ordinary shoes, swelling of the ankles and feet. It is also possible for swelling to appear on other parts of the body, for example, on the ankles, abdomen, lungs.

What medicines can help with leg swelling?

Diuretics can be used to treat swelling in the legs due to heart failure, which increases the excretion of excess water from the body, reducing swelling. Drugs that reduce the workload on the heart and increase its efficiency, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, may also be used.

What methods can be applied independently to reduce swelling of the legs?

To reduce swelling of the legs, it is recommended to monitor the diet, limiting the intake of salt and fluid, control your weight, avoid prolonged stay in one position, sit or lie with your legs up, if this is not contraindicated, use compression stockings or stockings.

How can leg edema be diagnosed in heart failure?

For the diagnosis of leg edema in heart failure, research methods such as electrocardiogram (ECG), cardiac ultrasound (ultrasound), chest x-ray, vascular dopplerography, cardiac catheterization are carried out. It is also necessary to conduct tests to determine the level of salt and fluid in the blood.

What are the causes of leg swelling in heart failure?

Heart problems can lead to poor circulation, which in turn causes swelling in the legs. Experiencing weakness of the heart, it cannot effectively pump blood from the lower extremities, while fluid begins to accumulate in the tissues.