What Causes Swelling In The Legs?

Posted on Mon, 5 Dec 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 5 Dec 2016 Answered on

Tue, 27 Dec 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : i have swelling in my legs and ankles, which i think is the result of the lycria iam taking for the pain caused by shingles. i have a history of heart problems including congestive heart failure, can this cause heart problems

Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (7 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
I would recommend performing some tests:

Detailed Answer:
Hello!

Welcome and thank you for asking on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would explain that the swelling in your legs could be related to heart failure and increased fluid retention.

You should first rule out this main possible cause, before concluding that the swelling is related to Lyrica adverse effect (this is a rare adverse effect of Lyrica).

So, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a careful physical exam and some tests:

- a chest X ray study
- a cardiac ultrasound to examine your heart function and structure
- NT pro-BNP levels for possible heart failure
- kidney and liver function tests for possible dysfunction
- blood electrolytes for possible imbalance.

You may need to start diuretics (like furasemide) to help improve your situation.

You should discuss with your doctor on the above issues.

Hope you will find this answer helpful!

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar