When the weather is hot, or if you’re pregnant or on a plane, it’s not uncommon for your legs to swell. However, if you experience persistent swelling in your lower limbs and feet, it could indicate an issue with your cardiovascular system.
To help you recognize if your leg swelling may be related to your cardiovascular health and requires further investigation, the experts at James Kim Cardiology, led by Dr. James Kim, have outlined some warning signs to look out for.
Understanding the Causes of Leg Swelling
How do you know if leg swelling is a cause for concern? The short answer: It depends.
If you’re pregnant, on a long flight, or the weather is hot and you’ve been inactive, fluid can build up in your lower legs and feet. In these cases, the swelling is usually temporary and can be relieved by moving around, elevating your legs, and/or reducing your salt intake to decrease fluid buildup.
Swelling in your legs can also be related to kidney function. If your kidneys aren’t effectively clearing fluids from your system, they can accumulate in your tissues, causing edema in your lower legs and feet.
If you experience ongoing swollen legs (edema) without an obvious cause, such as an injury or the situations mentioned above, it may be time for us to take a closer look.
Leg Swelling Linked to Cardiovascular Issues
If your heart has difficulty circulating blood throughout your body, symptoms often develop in areas farthest from the heart where circulation is weakest. Here are a few cardiovascular issues that can lead to leg swelling:
Venous Insufficiency
The veins in your legs return blood to your heart, fighting both gravity and distance. If these veins (or their valves) weaken, blood can pool and fluid can leak into surrounding tissues, often leading to leg swelling and varicose veins.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)
Deep vein thrombosis occurs when a blood clot forms in a vein near your pelvis. DVT can cause swelling in one leg, enlarged veins, and discomfort in the affected area.
Heart Failure
With congestive heart failure, your kidneys don’t receive enough oxygen to filter your blood properly, leading to swelling in your legs, arms, hands, and abdomen. These symptoms are usually accompanied by shortness of breath, wheezing, and fatigue.
These are some of the most common heart-related issues that can cause swelling in your lower legs, ankles, and feet. Since these conditions range from concerning to dangerous, we recommend a full evaluation of your heart health. To get started, contact one of our locations in Chula Vista or National City, California, to schedule an appointment.
CATEGORIES:
TAGS:
Cardiac Care, Heart Health, Swollen Legs
