My Friend Had A Stroke 27 Years Ago...he Takes Medication

My friend had a stroke 27 years ago...he takes medication daily for high blood pressure and cholesterol. He is 79 years old, and has been a drinker all his life...I would say borderline alcoholic. Both legs and feet are swollen, and have been for a few weeks...the legs are hard, not soft. Could his kidneys be shutting down or could this be cirrhosis of the liver?