Ankle swelling not related to HF

[Smileyian]

Hi friends, and you are ! I have had various problems which are hopefully under control at 77 years old but I am very concerned about swelling feet and ankles even though it is not seemingly related to HF and poor LVEF. Told it is Dependent Eodema and was prescribed Furosimide 40mg. I have posted before but it is concerning that I have no reasoning for this swelling which I can revert by taking the drug and raising the legs high for 30 mins each day. Direct question would be - Why do I get this leg and ankle swelling. Otherwise feel well apart from short pains irregularly from Artery Spasms / Variant Angina - once or twice a week for less than 2 or 3 minutes.

Love to hear from you, especially if you are on Furosimide - Tks very much.

[080311]

Hi Ian,

I'm on 40 mg Furosemide daily and have been for the past 4 years since my open heart surgery. Pre surgery was in hospital for 7 weeks on a drip twice daily to get rid of the excess fluid. Had Aortic valve replaced and bypass, and the Furosemide now is to help my heart not have to work quite so hard( HF. )

Sorry can’t help more, take good care Pauline

[Smileyian in reply to 080311]

Thank you so much Pauline. You take good care too.

[Supernanu]

Can’t help with your question, but wanted to say your photo matches your name. Lovely smile 😃

[Smileyian in reply to Supernanu]

That is so nice of you. Taken last year on my balcony to highlight my chameleon given by a friend. I try to stay happy although old age creeping on. You stay safe Supernanu.

[Auiron]

Swollen Ankles and Feet

( American version )

webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/swo...

Swollen ankles and swollen feet are common and usually not cause for concern, particularly if you have been standing or walking a lot. But feet and ankles that stay swollen or are accompanied by other symptoms could signal a serious health problem. WebMD looks at some possible causes of foot and ankle swelling and offers advice on when to call the doctor.

[Smileyian]

Very useful. Thank you so much.

[Qualipop]

I've been on furosemide for 18 years for the same thing and still no nearer to finding out why. I just get told it's lack of exercise . I'm disabled with a crumbling spine. I did have a lymph gland removed from one leg so he drainage in that is a bit worse.

[Smileyian in reply to Qualipop]

Thank you so much as well Qualipop. Mine def not through lack of exercise. Goodness 18 years is a very long time. Are u saying you have taken every day for 18 years....... it is a very long time.

[Qualipop in reply to Smileyian]

Yes, low dose for probably more than 18 years. I have annual blood tests to check kidneys. When i had he heart attack the cardio checked my medication and left me on it. It lowers my BP slightly with less side effects than other BP tablets

[Smileyian in reply to Qualipop]

Fully understand and hope you are doing well now.

[Qualipop in reply to Smileyian]

Mostly fine thanks; just fed up of being stuck near a loo all morning every day. LOL

[Smileyian]

That I can understand

[Prada47]

Hi Smileyian

My H F Nurse is not overly concerned with swollen ankles during the Day, but I have an instruction to call her should I notice swollen ankles on waking up !! i.e. before I actually get up and start standing or walking around.

Personally not on Furosemide now but was on 60mg all my meds changed when I was put on Entresto. I do take Eplerenone which has a mild diuretic effect but it all seems to be under control now !!! I hope lol

Hands Face Space to Stay Safe

[Smileyian in reply to Prada47]

Tks Prada47. Interesting post. In fact my ankles seem fine on waking up but are often swollen by late afternoon. I have not heard of Entresto but so glad you have under control. If I knew the reason for my swelling I could address the matter but it is tough not to know. I just wonder if it could be caused by one of the many medicines I am on. Tks for your post P47.

[Prada47 in reply to Smileyian]

The terminology is I believe Postural Oedema well that's what my HF Nurse calls it in my specific case !!

Hands Face Space to Stay Safe

[Redporti]

Hi, I’ve just been diagnosed with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). I started getting swollen feet, ankles and legs especially in my left leg about 14 weeks ago. I have stage 3 chronic kidney disease so the gp automatically assumed it was kidney related. The kidney specialist ruled out the kidneys and referred me to a cardiologist as I was also getting breathlessness on exerting myself. I also had a mildly raised BNP blood level. All of these symptoms apparently are consistent with the HFpEF diagnosis. I have been put on Furosimide 20mgc every other day but they make me feel nauseous and anxious. I am now going to try Pressure therapy boots that athletes wear to help with lymphatic drainage. You plug them in and they blow up with air and squeeze the leg in a sequence of massage. My cardiologist is happy for me to try this treatment as I have no vascular problems in my legs. I’m hoping they will work for me so that I can drop down the amount of days I need to take the furosemide. Did they definitely tell you that the swollen feet are not related to your heart failure? It drove me mad not knowing why I was getting swelling so now I know what is causing it I feel a bit better. My swelling only goes down a bit over night and to be honest they are always swollen to a certain degree.

[Smileyian in reply to Redporti]

Good Morning Redporti, I have read your post with interest and hope you stabilise your symptoms and can make some improvement over the coming months. I have taken note of the medical boots of which you speak. I have revisited my latest Cardiac reports which are detailed and run to 3 or 4 pages incl Angiogram and the usual other detailed tests. As I have a normal LVEF of 57, HF is unlikely the cause of ankle and lower leg swelling. Furosemide helps and thankfully, I have no adverse reaction to this medicine. I do note that some folk have endured swollen ankles for many years and even in excess of a decade - with various reasons. I don't know if you are a lady, nor which age group, but I am male of 77 and am a little grumpy that this swelling persists albeit not constantly. Maybe i should take more strident walks and consider your boot suggestion. Thank you for your help and let me wish you well.

[Bigbrian]

Hello, are you on a liquid daily limit?

[Smileyian in reply to Bigbrian]

Hi ..... no I am not Bigbrian. Ii seems my ankles and lower legs have a mind of their own and swelling may be every other day or every 4 days. Not massive swelling bit at least to cover ankles and cause swelling in lower leg. No instructions to take less liquid but am glad that each morning things start off almost normal. Any comments or suggestions welcome.

[Lulu2607]

Hello Smileyian.As you've put a pic up I just wanted to say you look remarkable for 77!

[Smileyian in reply to Lulu2607]

Oh that is very sweet of you. Taken about 10 months ago at my home. Luck of the draw I suppose with genes - my Mum is 100 and looks much younger. As we all know, it is our insides that matter and and not our "covers" but you have made my day Lulu2607 - thank you. Get well and a Very Happy New Year.

[GingiKisi]

I also have such a problem, and the fact that I need to take pills bothers me a lot. I prefer to be treated with traditional medicine, and I strive not to use chemiсals. Some years ago, I damaged my ankle, and I continued to suffer from it depending on the movements I make. Mainly I feel pain in rainy weather. I have a warming ointment, which I was advised in the pharmacy. Indeed, it helps. Also, I use such an ankle brace: remaininthegame.ca/product-... that helps fix the leg significantly reduces pain while walking.

[080311 in reply to GingiKisi]

Hello GingiKisi

Welcome to the forum, you say you have a problem with swelling ankles, but you are bothered about taking pills.

There is nothing written on your bio, so not sure what pills you are taking or what heart condition you have.

I take a daily diuretic 40mg furosemide, have had open heart surgery to replace Aortic valve replaced and a bypass this diuretic is to help my heart not have to work so hard. So grateful for the pill that helps me.

Could you talk to your GP/ cardiologist or maybe your cardio nurse, they could I am sure put your mind at rest.

Again welcome, hope you can feel better about taking your medication.

Best wishes Pauline