Persistent foot swelling may indicate heart failure

Persistent foot and ankle swelling, particularly during summer months, may indicate serious systemic health issues such as heart failure. Prof. Dr. Servet Altay, Head of the Cardiology Department at Trakya University Faculty of Medicine, warns that swelling should not be dismissed simply as a reaction to hot weather.

According to Altay, edema caused by heart failure typically presents in both legs rather than just one. These symptoms often increase during the day and decrease while sleeping at night, leaving an indentation when pressed with a finger. While left-sided heart failure is frequently associated with shortness of breath, right-sided heart failure may manifest primarily through abdominal swelling and leg edema.

Other potential causes for swelling include kidney or liver diseases, thyroid disorders, venous or lymphatic circulation issues, excessive salt consumption, and certain blood pressure medications. Altay notes that unilateral swelling often suggests localized issues like vein or artery diseases, whereas bilateral swelling points toward systemic problems like heart, kidney, or hormonal conditions.