Persistent Ankle Edema Due to Heart Disease

Heart failure is advanced heart disease affecting the rest of the body. According to the National Heart and Lung Institute, ankle edema (swollen ankles) appears with right-side heart failure.

The Facts

• The heart's right side pumps blood from the rest of the body through the lungs. When the right side cannot pump efficiently, blood backs up in the ankles. Edema (swelling) spreads to the legs and abdomen.

Causes

• Viral and bacterial infections, age and lifestyle can cause heart disease at any age. Abnormal heartbeats (arrhythmias), thickened or enlarged heart muscle and heart valve deformities can also cause damage leading to chronic heart failure.

Diagnosis

• Tell the doctor how long you have had swollen ankles and whether the circumferences of your legs and abdomen have changed. The doctor may order an echocardiogram to analyze the heart's contractions, or an angiogram to check blood flow.

Treatment

• The doctor may prescribe diuretics to reduce fluid retention, beta-blockers to lower your blood pressure and medications that strengthen the heartbeat. Lifestyle and dietary changes are part of a long-term treatment plan.

Warning

• Treating the swollen ankles means managing the advanced heart disease. Avoid alcohol, follow your diet plan, and take your medications. Heart failure will get worse if you stray from your treatment plan.