Swelling in the legs, ankles, feet or tummy could be a sign of heart failure, according to NHS guidance. Heart failure occurs when the heart cannot pump blood properly. The NHS clarifies: "It does not mean your heart has stopped working or is about to stop working. There's no cure, but treatment and lifestyle changes can help."
What causes heart failure?
Heart failure can strike suddenly, such as after a heart attack or infection, or develop from prolonged strain on the heart, such as high blood pressure or coronary heart disease. Other potential causes include heart valve disease, anaemia, cardiomyopathy, heart rhythm problems, chronic kidney disease, thyroid problems, or haemochromatosis, a condition that leads to too much iron in the blood.
While anyone can develop heart failure, the risk is greater for those aged 65 or older, those living with overweight or obesity, people who drink a lot of alcohol, those who use cocaine, pregnant women, and smokers.
Other warning signs to watch for
Besides swelling in the legs or ankles, which can also occur in the feet or tummy as bloating, additional warning signs include sudden weight gain, feeling out of breath when doing everyday activities or lying down, feeling weak, light-headed or very tired, particularly after moving or physical activity, being more out of breath than expected during physical activity, coughing at night, coughing up frothy pink phlegm, and feeling light-headed or dizzy.
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should arrange a GP appointment. An urgent GP appointment or assistance from NHS 111 should be sought if you become breathless while lying down or during everyday activities, experience sudden weight gain, or cough up frothy pink phlegm.
Managing the condition
NHS guidance adds: "Heart failure is a serious condition that affects everyone differently. Symptoms can vary from day to day and week to week." While there is currently no cure, treatment and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and keep heart failure stable for many years. A heart specialist, or cardiologist, and care team will discuss treatment options and any other necessary changes. "This will depend on the type of heart failure you have, what's caused it and any other conditions."
