Heart problems affect roughly more than 6 million Americans. After diagnosing their symptoms, it is found that heart failure doesn’t mean the heart has stopped, instead, it means the heart doesn’t work properly due to many factors. There are various symptoms that can indicate heart problems.
Are Swollen Ankles a Sign of Heart Problem?
Heart problem is a big concern. There are certain signs and symptoms which one needs to look for in order to identify a heart problem at the earliest. Swollen ankles are a sign of heart problem, but it can be caused by many other factors as well. As per the health specialists, it is generally caused when your heart is no longer able to pump properly. At this situation, the blood flow slows down and backs up in the veins in your legs and it causes fluid accumulation in the organs and tissues in the body. One is more likely to have swelling in the legs and arms later in the day because the gravity increases the amount of pressure of blood in veins of lower limbs. Lie down and take rest for the sometimes, and it will alleviate the swelling as well the pain.
According to the many scientific records, the individuals who experience swelling in the evening time, it is because of the failure of the right side of the heart. However, swelling may be related to other factors, like side effects of drugs, kidney and liver failures, muscles cramping, ankle injury, and unbalanced diet and hence, must be checked with a doctor immediately.
Early Warning Signs of Heart Problem
The following warning signs will help to prevent heart attack or stroke when noted early and taken a treatment without delay:
- Shortness of breath
- Mild discomfort while eating
- Bad indigestion
- Generalized weakness
- Sweating, this may vary
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swelling in legs, ankle, and feet
- Abnormal heartbeat
- Sudden weakness
- Numbness in legs
- Discomfort in feet
- Coughing and sneezing
- Lightheadedness and dizziness.
When to Visit the Doctor for Swollen Ankles?
If you notice an increase in the swelling of your ankles, legs and feet and day by day getting worse, you should consult with your health specialist and share all your symptoms that you are experiencing.
Seeking the advice of a doctor as soon as possible can help prevent other problems from developing and can limit the extent of damage to the body. The doctor will check the ankle or shin bone to see if any depression or dent is occurring by pressing the area with the fingers. This is known edema, “a symptom of cardiovascular disease”.
A more common cause of swollen of legs is a condition known as venous insufficiency, which become worse with age and it’s a sign of increasing cholesterol. So, if you notice any type of swelling in your legs, arms, and ankles, and it does not reduce after medication, then without thinking much reach out to your physicians. You will be asked some information about any conditions you have that may cause heart failure, (for example, artery disease, angina, diabetes, heart valve disease, and hypertension). You will be inquired as to whether you smoke, take drugs, drink liquor (and the amount you drink), and about what drugs you take. An early identification of a heart problem can be a saviour and can prevent a person from having a severe heart problem or heart attack.
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