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Whether The Swollen Leg Situation Is Related To Heart Disease?
Question: Good day doctor. My mother is 83 years old and previously had AF but did ablation 10 years ago so condition largely disappeared. Although she continues to experience discomfort from irregular heart beat and fluctuating blood pressure, it has been largely manageable with her medications. Her lower legs sometime get swollen and this has been going on for many years.
For the past few months, she feels her condition gets worse and she also experiences more swollen lower legs and ankles. The swollen areas normally get better after a night's sleep but get worse the next day. My question is whether the swollen leg situation is related to heart disease? or it is a separated issue?
Thanks!
Helen
For the past few months, she feels her condition gets worse and she also experiences more swollen lower legs and ankles. The swollen areas normally get better after a night's sleep but get worse the next day. My question is whether the swollen leg situation is related to heart disease? or it is a separated issue?
Thanks!
Helen
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I read carefully your question and would explain that the swollen legs could be a sign of increased fluid retention.
Increased fluid retention in her situation, could be related to heart failure. In such case, adding a diuretic drug to her current therapy would be helpful.
Other possible cause of fluid retention would be a kidney or liver disease, diabetes or chronic venous insufficiency.
Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with her attending physician for a physical exam and some tests:
- a cardiac ultrasound and NT pro BNP plasma levels
- blood electrolytes
- kidney and liver function tests.
You should discuss with her doctor on these tests!
I would be glad to assist you again in case of further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I read carefully your question and would explain that the swollen legs could be a sign of increased fluid retention.
Increased fluid retention in her situation, could be related to heart failure. In such case, adding a diuretic drug to her current therapy would be helpful.
Other possible cause of fluid retention would be a kidney or liver disease, diabetes or chronic venous insufficiency.
Coming to this point, I would recommend consulting with her attending physician for a physical exam and some tests:
- a cardiac ultrasound and NT pro BNP plasma levels
- blood electrolytes
- kidney and liver function tests.
You should discuss with her doctor on these tests!
I would be glad to assist you again in case of further questions whenever you need!
Kind regards,
Dr. Ilir Sharka, Cardiologist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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