- Persistent leg or ankle swelling (edema) may be an early sign of heart failure or poor circulation.
- Fluid buildup occurs when the heart cannot pump blood efficiently, causing blood to pool in the lower body.
- Other causes include kidney disease, liver problems, and venous insufficiency.
- Diagnostic testing from a cardiologist can help identify if your swelling is heart-related.
- Dr. Sunny Malhotra provides expert evaluation and treatment for patients in Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton experiencing unexplained swelling or water retention.
When Swelling Is More Than Just Fatigue
Have you noticed your shoes feeling tighter by the end of the day or your ankles puffing up after sitting or standing for long periods? While mild swelling can occur from heat or long hours on your feet, persistent or worsening swelling may signal a heart problem.
When your heart struggles to pump effectively, fluid leaks from your blood vessels into surrounding tissues, leading to swelling in the feet, ankles, or legs. This condition is called peripheral edema, and it’s one of the earliest warning signs of heart failure or circulation issues.
Dr. Sunny Malhotra, a cardiologist serving Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton, emphasizes that catching this symptom early can prevent long-term heart complications.
💓 Common Heart-Related Causes of Leg Swelling
1. Heart Failure
When your heart’s pumping ability weakens, it can’t circulate blood efficiently. Fluid backs up in the veins, causing swelling in the legs, feet, and sometimes the abdomen.
Other symptoms may include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Weight gain from fluid retention
- Waking up breathless at night
2. Venous Insufficiency
Your veins have one-way valves that keep blood flowing back to your heart. If those valves weaken, blood pools in your legs, causing swelling and sometimes varicose veins or skin discoloration.
3. Pulmonary Hypertension
High blood pressure in the lungs can strain the right side of the heart, leading to fluid buildup in the lower extremities.
4. Pericardial Disease
Conditions affecting the sac around the heart (pericardium) can restrict its movement and cause fluid retention and swelling.
🩺 Non-Cardiac Causes to Rule Out
While heart disease is a major cause, other health conditions can also lead to swelling:
- Kidney disease: Fluid buildup from reduced kidney function
- Liver disease: Low albumin levels cause fluid leakage into tissues
- Medications: Certain blood pressure or diabetes drugs may trigger swelling
That’s why a comprehensive cardiac assessment is critical — to identify or rule out a heart-related cause.
⚙️ How Dr. Sunny Malhotra Diagnoses Swelling
During your visit, Dr. Malhotra may recommend tests such as:
- Echocardiogram: Checks heart function and valve performance
- Electrocardiogram (ECG): Detects abnormal heart rhythms
- Chest X-ray: Looks for fluid in the lungs
- Blood tests: Evaluate kidney, liver, and heart health
- Doppler ultrasound: Checks circulation in the legs
These noninvasive tests help pinpoint whether your swelling is related to poor heart function, venous disease, or another condition.
🧠 Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Ignoring leg swelling may seem harmless, but untreated cardiac edema can lead to:
- Worsening heart failure
- Severe fatigue and breathlessness
- Kidney strain and fluid overload
- Hospitalization for fluid management
The good news: early intervention can reverse symptoms and restore your heart’s ability to pump efficiently.
Through personalized cardiac treatment, Dr. Malhotra helps patients reduce swelling, improve circulation, and reclaim energy for daily life.
❤️ Take the First Step Toward Relief
If you’ve been dealing with persistent swelling, tightness in your legs, or unexplained weight gain, don’t ignore it. These may be early indicators of heart or vascular disease.
Patients across Brampton, Mississauga, and Milton trust Dr. Sunny Malhotra for comprehensive testing, accurate diagnosis, and evidence-based cardiac care.
Schedule your appointment today — and take a proactive step toward a healthier, stronger heart.
❓ FAQ: Swelling and Heart Health
Q1. How do I know if my swelling is heart-related?
If swelling is accompanied by shortness of breath, fatigue, or weight gain, it’s often due to fluid buildup from the heart not pumping properly.
Q2. Can sitting too long cause swelling?
Yes — but this swelling usually improves after movement. Persistent or worsening swelling requires a medical evaluation.
Q3. What foods make swelling worse?
High-salt foods, processed snacks, and alcohol can increase water retention and strain the heart.
Q4. What treatments are available for heart-related swelling?
Treatment may include diuretics, heart-strengthening medications, lifestyle changes, or managing underlying valve or rhythm issues.
Q5. Should I see a cardiologist or family doctor first?
You can start with your primary doctor, but if swelling continues or other symptoms appear, a cardiologist like Dr. Malhotra should evaluate your heart health.
