Recently my husband and I went on a cruise to the Caribbean. I was miserable. I was unable to walk on the prominade deck because of a tightness in my chest, swelling of my feet and ankles, and hands. I had to wear flip-flops to dinner because I couldn't get my shoes on. We returned home and within a day the swelling was gone. I haven't had any problems since. Do you think that it could be heart related? I am a 55 year old female, who is overweight, but relatively active.

Hi
In answer to your question........I have had the same exact experience as you have had with the water retention in my legs while on a cruise.
On one of my cruises i had to visit the ships doctor because my ankles were extremely swollen.........he perscribed a diaretic, and that helped.
I have since found out that i have high blood pressure, and am being treated for it.
I have found out that the food on the cruise ships are highly salted.
Its my favorite way to vacation, but I pay the price all the time.
Carolann

I would want to have my blood pressure checked and definitely you need to get this chest tightness looked at. Being overweight alone is enough of a risk factor to cause some concern that the tightness could be heart related. I am female and was only 41 when my blockage was found. I've been on two cruises and never had any problems with fluid retention. My blood pressure is normal