Anonymous asked 8 years ago
Dear doctor,
I am a heart patient.
Doctor says my heart is weak. I am hypertensive and diabetic, my blood pressure and sugar are well controlled. Now since last 3 days I have been feeling that my ankles and feet are swollen. My shoes do not fit any more. What should I do to get rid of this condition. My problem aggravates when I walk or when my legs hang down.
I shall be very thankful to you for your time and advice.
Best regards.
Angelina
Age: 52, Female.
Dr. Adil Ramzan Staff answered 8 years ago
Dear Angelina.
Swelling of ankles and feet called pedal edema is a sign of decompensated heart failure. Although you didn’t mention others signs such as shortness of breath, chest pain and dizziness, which occurs in case of severe decompensation. In such cases, in order to decrease pre-load of the heart, doctor prescribe some medicines called diuretics which increase urinary production, decrease the fluid load and thus, decrease the pre-load of the heart. sometimes other medication which increase the contractility of heart are also given if there is not history of ischemic heart disease. So you should see your cardiologist now, as your congestive heart failure has just started to show itself, and from here it can be reversed more easily and yet you haven’t developed other complications. So take an appointment very soon.
I wish you best of luck.
Best Regards.
Dr. Adil Ramzan