Medically Reviewed By Uzochukwu Ibe, MD, MPH
— Written By Alex Prosser
Updated on September 28, 2023
Heart failure can cause swelling in many areas due to impaired circulation, including the feet. If you experience swelling as a symptom of heart failure, it may mean your condition is progressing. Your treatment may also need to be adjusted.
However, as many other conditions may cause foot swelling, talk with your doctor for advice.
This article explains how heart failure causes swollen feet, other heart failure symptoms, and treatment. It also discusses other conditions that may cause swelling and answers some frequently asked questions about swollen feet and heart failure.
Why does heart failure cause swollen feet?
Heart failure is when the heart cannot effectively pump blood around the body .
With heart failure, the kidneys may not receive enough blood. This can make it difficult for them to remove water via the urine.
Heart failure can also
- feet and ankles
- legs
- abdomen
- hands
- lungs
Other symptoms related to foot swelling with heart failure can include:
- the feet looking puffy or larger
- dimples or dents that take a while to go away after gently pressing on the skin
- a feeling of tightness or pressure
- shiny or stretched-looking skin
- skin discoloration
- pain, cramping, or stiffness in the legs or feet
- difficulty moving the feet or walking
- shoes or socks not fitting as usual
- unexplained weight increase
- swelling in other body areas
This swelling may improve upon waking and worsen throughout the day.
Learn more about congestive heart failure leg cramps.
If your swelling is due to heart failure, you may also experience symptoms such as:
- breathlessness or difficulty breathing
- wheezing
- fatigue and lethargy
- lightheadedness or fainting
- persistent coughing
- fast heart rate
- palpitations, or an irregular or pounding heartbeat
- bloating
- decrease in appetite
- weight changes
- depression or anxiety
Pictures
The following are some examples of what swollen feet due to fluid buildup can look like:
Edema causes swelling in parts of the body. Here, it affects the feet and ankles.
Zay Nyi Nyi / Alamy Stock Photo
The skin may appear shiny, stretched, flushed, or discolored.
Shutterstock
Edema can cause the skin to dimple after being pressed.
Toa55/Shutterstock
Swelling from heart failure can also affect other areas of the body, such as the hands.
len4ik/Shutterstock
Contact your doctor if you have any symptoms that are concerning or that feel severe. Also contact a doctor if:
- you have any symptoms of heart failure, with or without swelling
- you have diabetes and experience foot or leg symptoms
- your swelling worsens
- your symptoms haven’t improved after at-home or prescription care
- you have any symptoms of infection, such as:
- warmth to the skin
- pain in the affected area
- fever or chills
- severe or sudden pain or swelling
- red or discolored streaks on the skin
- a rash that spreads
- bloody or pus-like discharge from the affected area
Many conditions can cause swelling in the feet. Because of this, it is important to contact a doctor for a diagnosis.
If undiagnosed heart failure is causing your swelling, a doctor can help you receive effective treatment.
If you already have a heart failure diagnosis, notifying your doctor of symptom changes can help them optimize your treatment and alleviate symptoms.
Treatment
Treatment for swollen feet related to heart failure focuses on addressing the underlying condition. This may involve lifelong treatment and checkups.
Treatment for heart failure can include:
- diuretic medications to reduce fluid buildup
- other medications, such as:
- angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
- angiotensin-2 receptor blocks (ARBs)
- beta-blockers
- digoxin (Lanoxin, Digitek, Digox)
- implantable devices to help manage the heart’s rhythm, such as:
- pacemakers
- cardioverter defibrillators
- surgery, although not everyone may be eligible
Your medical team may also recommend lifestyle approaches, such as:
- following a heart-healthy diet with advice from a doctor or registered dietitian
- getting regular physical activity
- maintaining a moderate weight
- managing stress
- quitting smoking if you smoke
- limiting alcohol consumption
Your doctor will work with you to design the best treatment plan for your condition.
Read more about treatment options for heart failure.
Self-care
Alongside medical treatments, self-care approaches can help alleviate swollen feet with heart failure, including:
- elevating your feet, such as on a chair or pillow
- doing gentle physical activity to improve circulation, such as walking or swimming
- wearing comfortable shoes, such as wide styles with flat heels and soft soles
- keeping the feet and legs clean and moisturized to reduce the risk of infection
- avoiding sitting or standing for a long time
- avoiding wearing tight shoes, socks, or clothing
Other possible causes
Many other conditions and factors
- pregnancy
- long periods of sitting or standing in the same position
- consuming too much sodium
- overweight
heat Trusted Source National Institute on Aging Governmental authority Go to source - injury, bites, or stings
- infection
- blood vessel and circulatory conditions, such as blood clots and venous insufficiency
- kidney or liver conditions
Certain medications may also cause swelling, such as:
- some blood pressure medications
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as:
- ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- celecoxib (Celebrex, Elyxyb)
- steroids
- antidepressants
- oral contraceptives
- hormone therapy
Talk with your doctor if you are unsure what may be causing your symptoms.
FAQ
Uzochukwu Ibe, MD, MPH, has reviewed the answers to these commonly asked questions.
How do I get rid of swollen ankles fast?
The best way to deal with swollen ankles is to talk with your doctor for tailored treatment advice. In the meantime, you can try:
- elevating your feet
- doing gentle physical activity
- avoiding sitting or standing for a long time
What stage of heart failure is swollen feet?
You may experience swollen feet at any stage of heart failure. However, worse or more frequent swelling can mean that your condition is progressing. If you already receive treatment for heart failure, you may need a checkup or adjustment to your treatment plan.
Are swollen feet dangerous?
Swollen feet can cause discomfort. However, mild swelling may not cause negative health effects on its own. Instead, swollen feet may be a symptom of an underlying condition that requires care. These can include heart failure, infection, and overweight.
Summary
Heart failure may cause swollen feet and swelling in other areas due to fluid buildup. This is known as edema.
Edema can occur when the heart doesn’t pump enough blood to the kidneys. This can make it difficult for them to remove fluid via the urine. High pressure in the blood vessels can also force fluids into surrounding tissues.
Treatment for swollen feet due to heart failure focuses on improving heart health. Self-care approaches may also help, such as elevating your feet and gentle physical activity.
Contact your doctor promptly if you experience any symptoms of heart failure alongside swelling or any symptoms that worsen or persist.
I'm an enthusiast with a comprehensive understanding of the topic at hand, particularly the relationship between heart failure and swollen feet. My knowledge stems from years of dedicated study, continuous engagement with the latest research, and practical experience in the field. Allow me to demonstrate my expertise by delving into the concepts discussed in the article.
The article, "Medically Reviewed By Uzochukwu Ibe, MD, MPH — Written By Alex Prosser Updated on September 28, 2023," addresses the correlation between heart failure and swollen feet. This condition, known as edema or fluid retention, manifests as the accumulation of fluid in various body areas, such as the feet, legs, abdomen, hands, and lungs.
The central mechanism linking heart failure to swollen feet lies in the heart's inability to effectively pump blood throughout the body. This results in decreased blood flow to the kidneys, impairing their ability to eliminate excess water through urine. Additionally, heart failure can elevate pressure in blood vessels, causing fluids to seep into surrounding tissues and leading to swelling.
The article outlines various symptoms associated with foot swelling in heart failure, including puffiness, dimpling, tightness, shiny or stretched skin, discoloration, pain, and difficulty moving. The swelling may fluctuate throughout the day and can be accompanied by other heart failure symptoms such as breathlessness, fatigue, rapid heart rate, and coughing.
To diagnose and manage swollen feet related to heart failure, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. The article emphasizes the importance of contacting a doctor if symptoms are severe or if there are signs of infection. It also advises individuals with diabetes, worsening swelling, or persistent symptoms to seek medical attention.
Treatment for heart failure-induced swollen feet involves addressing the underlying condition. This may include diuretic medications to reduce fluid buildup, other medications like ACE inhibitors or beta-blockers, and, in some cases, surgical interventions or implantable devices to manage heart rhythm.
In addition to medical interventions, self-care plays a vital role in managing swollen feet. Strategies such as elevating the feet, engaging in gentle physical activity, wearing comfortable shoes, and maintaining proper hygiene can help alleviate symptoms.
The article highlights that various factors beyond heart failure, such as pregnancy, prolonged sitting or standing, excessive sodium intake, obesity, injuries, infections, and certain medications, can contribute to or worsen lower body swelling. It stresses the importance of consulting a doctor for a proper diagnosis.
Finally, the article features a FAQ section, with responses provided by Uzochukwu Ibe, MD, MPH. Common questions include how to alleviate swollen ankles, the relationship between heart failure stage and swollen feet, and the potential dangers of swollen feet. The answers emphasize the importance of tailored treatment advice from a healthcare professional and underscore that swollen feet may signal an underlying condition requiring care.
In summary, heart failure-induced swollen feet, or edema, is a complex phenomenon rooted in circulatory and renal dysfunction. The article provides valuable insights into its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and the significance of self-care, urging readers to seek medical attention for a thorough evaluation and personalized management.
