Edema, also known as swelling, occurs when excess fluid accumulates in the body's tissues. The causes of edema are varied and can range from mild to severe. Mild causes include prolonged sitting or standing, consuming high-salt foods, experiencing PMS or being pregnant. Swelling can also be caused by certain medications or more serious health conditions.

Swelling can happen in any body part, but it's more common in the legs because fluids accumulate in the lower part. Although swelling in the legs can be caused by various factors, it's important to note that heart failure can also be a potential cause. 

Swelling of the feet and signs of heart failure

Heart failure is a condition that occurs when the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. This can be caused by several factors, including damage to the heart muscle from a previous heart attack, high blood pressure, coronary artery disease, heart valve abnormalities, infections, or risk factors such as smoking, obesity, and diabetes.

Heart failure can cause swelling of the legs. When heart failure happens, blood accumulates in the veins that flow from the legs to the heart. This can result in decreased blood flow to the kidneys, leading to the retention of sodium and water, which increases the body's fluid volume. As a result, swelling can occur in the feet and lower legs due to this excess fluid.

Over time, swelling can spread from the feet and lower legs to the calves, thighs, stomach, and chest. If the swelling reaches the lungs, it can cause severe complications of heart failure, including difficulty breathing, chest pain, and other serious symptoms.

Read more: Beware Of Signs Of Having Heart Failure

Ways to avoid heart failure

Heart failure is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. You need to know how to reduce the risk of heart failure through the following steps: 

Maintain a healthy weight

Maintaining a healthy weight according to the recommended body mass index (BMI) can help reduce the workload on the heart and lower the risk of heart failure associated with obesity.

Consume heart-healthy foods.

Eat a balanced diet rich in lean protein, healthy fats, vegetables, fruits and whole grains to help maintain overall heart health. 

Exercise regularly

Regular exercise can be immensely beneficial for the heart. When you exercise, your heart works harder to pump blood, which can help to strengthen and increase its endurance. Cardiovascular exercises like running, cycling, and swimming can train the heart to work more efficiently. Moreover, regular physical activity can lower blood pressure, improve the lipid (cholesterol) profile in the blood, help control body weight, and increase insulin sensitivity. All of these can be significant risk factors for heart disease.

Read more: Recognize Differences In Accounting For Acute And Kronist Heart Failure

Give up smoking and keep away from secondhand smoke

Cigarettes contain harmful substances that can damage the heart and blood vessels. These substances also cause blood vessel constriction, reducing blood flow and causing high blood pressure.

Toxic substances in cigarette smoke also cause an increase in heart rate and blood pressure, which can increase the heart's workload. In the long term, this can cause enlargement of the heart ventricles and weakness of the heart muscle, leading to heart failure.

Coping with pressure and tension

According to recent research, stress can increase the chances of developing heart failure and other heart diseases. However, there are effective ways to reduce stress and manage blood pressure, which is a significant risk factor for heart failure. Meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises help reduce stress levels and promote better heart health.

Heart failure is a disease that cannot be cured, but it can be managed with treatment to alleviate symptoms. If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention: fatigue and weakness, swelling in the legs or stomach, irregular heartbeat, sudden weight gain, shortness of breath when doing activities or lying down, or chest pain. For physical complaints, seek health consultation services through the Ai Care app, which can be downloaded from the App Store or Play Store.

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