When the heart is not pumping effectively, fluid can accumulate in tissues.
This may cause swelling, known medically as edema.
It often appears in:
- Feet
- Ankles
- Lower legs
- Sometimes the abdomen
Shoes may suddenly feel tighter.
Socks may leave deeper marks around the ankles.
The legs may look puffier toward the end of the day.
However, swollen feet do not automatically mean that the heart is failing.
Other causes include:
- Standing for long periods
- Hot weather
- Certain medications
- Venous circulation problems
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Pregnancy
- Injury
- Inflammation
- Other medical conditions
The pattern matters.
Swelling that is new, persistent, worsening, or accompanied by shortness of breath or rapid weight gain deserves medical attention.
Sudden Weight Gain Can Be Important
People often associate weight gain only with eating more.
But a rapid increase over a short period can sometimes represent fluid retention rather than an increase in body fat.
For someone with heart failure, sudden fluid accumulation can cause body weight to rise noticeably over a short period.
