Question about edema/swelling - Heart Disorders Message Board

Roscoe36 · 11-27-2006, 08:58 AM

Hello to all. I have posted elsewhere about other general symptoms (some shortness of breath at night laying down, chest pain, sweating, weight gain, lightheadedness all day everyday, etc.) that I am convinced are heart related, even though several echocardiograms show no problems (except mild atrial dilation on the last one).

Anyway, my weight gain keeps getting worse, even though I eat generally pretty well.

My question is what does edema of the legs/feet/ankles look like? Is it like putty? I feel like my legs are getting more gerthy because they are more filled with blood, but it is hard, not soft. I have some slight puffiness in the inside side of my feet (where the arches are). Could that be edema?

Thanks in advance and good luck to all!

started04 · 11-27-2006, 10:37 AM

Hi Roscoe,

Left atrial dilation could indicate there is an abnormal pressure within the chamber that could be causes by an imbalance of the heart's of what the heat pumps and what it receives from the lungs causing a backup of blood. Then fluids (serum) can leak out causing pulmonary edema (symptoms, especially when laying down, are dry cough, hyperventilating) some relief when sitting up.

There can be fluids that backup in the peripheral area causing swollen feet and legs (especially when standing for a long period of time). It is like putty...but you can cause a depression with your finger, and you will see the indentation that gradually returns to previous state.

This would be worst case scenario and heart related.

Roscoe36 · 11-27-2006, 10:52 AM

Thanks for the response, KenKeith. I should clarify: my swelling does not appear like putty (although that is what I heard swelling/edema in the feet and legs would look like, which you graciously confirmed). Rather, I feel like my legs and feet have gotten heavier because they are maybe filled more with blood than before. However, there is no indentation, putty-like feel, etc. They are hard, and just feel bigger. Does that make sense?

Thanks again!

Lenin · 11-28-2006, 07:00 AM

Roscoe,
Wear a pair of fairly snug athletic socks for a few hours. If you take them off and see the marks of the elastic, that is normal...BUT if you still see the marks 20 minutes later, that is edema.

Edema can be soft or rock hard.

Another test:
Get ahold of some hydrochlorothiazide from a friend with hypertension. Take 50 mg./day for 3 days. If you pee a LOT, and lose more than 5 pounds and notice that your ankles look smaller, you have your answer.