diagnosis
Why do my legs and ankles swell, and what does this have to do with heart failure?
In heart failure, the heart cannot pump enough blood to meet your body's needs. Blood moves too slowly and backs up in the vessels.
Heart failure means your heart cannot pump enough oxygen-rich blood to meet your body's needs. When blood moves too slowly, it backs up in the vessels that carry blood back to your heart. Fluid then leaks from those vessels into your tissues. This causes swelling, called edema, in your ankles, lower legs, and sometimes your belly. Weight gain from this extra fluid is also common. Treatment plans often include eating less sodium and drinking less liquid to help control fluid buildup. Talk with your care team about what steps are right for you.
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This page is educational, not medical advice. Talk with your care team about decisions that apply to you. If something feels urgent, contact your care team — for emergencies call your local emergency number.
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