Heart failure is a condition where the heart doesn’t pump blood as well as it should. It doesn’t mean the heart has stopped working, but that it can’t push blood around the body properly.
One of the most visible signs of heart failure is swelling in the feet, also known as peripheral edema.
This happens because when the heart is weak, blood can start to back up in the veins. This increases pressure in the blood vessels, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues—especially in the lower parts of the body like the legs, ankles, and feet. That’s why many people with heart failure notice their feet getting puffy, especially after standing or sitting for a long time.
Heart failure also affects how well the kidneys work. If the kidneys don’t remove extra salt and water from the body properly, even more fluid can build up. This makes the swelling worse.
The swelling can range from mild to severe. Some people may just notice their ankles are a little puffy by the end of the day. Others may have painful swelling that makes it hard to walk. Swollen feet are often just one sign of a bigger problem.
People with heart failure may also feel very tired, have trouble breathing—especially when lying down—and need to urinate more often at night.
Of course, not all swelling in the feet means heart failure. Other causes include kidney disease, vein problems in the legs, or lymphedema, a condition where fluid builds up because the lymph system isn’t working properly. That’s why it’s important to see a doctor to find out what’s really causing the swelling.
If heart failure is the reason, treating the heart is the best way to manage the swelling. Doctors may prescribe diuretics, or “water pills,” to help the body get rid of extra fluid through urine. These medications can reduce swelling and help people breathe more easily. Other medicines may also be used to help the heart pump better and lower the strain on the body.
Besides medicine, healthy habits are also important. Cutting back on salt, eating a balanced diet, staying active, and maintaining a healthy weight can all help reduce swelling and support heart health. Some people may also find it helpful to raise their feet when resting or wear compression stockings to keep fluid from collecting in their legs.
Today, doctors have better tools than ever to find heart failure early. Tests like echocardiograms and special blood tests can help spot signs of heart problems before symptoms get severe. The sooner heart failure is found, the sooner treatment can begin—and that can prevent serious issues like painful swelling.
Living with heart failure might feel challenging, but with the right treatment and support, many people continue to live well. Working closely with your healthcare team is key. Regular check-ups help track your condition and make sure treatments are working.
Swollen feet might seem like a small problem, but they can be an early warning sign of heart failure. Knowing what to look for—and what to do—can help protect your health and lead to better outcomes. With the right care, people with heart failure can reduce symptoms like swelling and keep living life fully.
If you care about heart disease, please read studies that herbal supplements could harm your heart rhythm, and how eating eggs can help reduce heart disease risk.
For more health information, please see recent studies that apple juice could benefit your heart health, and results showing yogurt may help lower the death risks in heart disease.
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