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Is It Better To Wear Upper- Thigh High Or Calf High Compression Stockings?
Question: I am 71. 5'6" ,180 lbs. I take , for atrial flutter, Eliquis 10 mg per day, flecanide 200 mg per day, diltiazem 180 mg, 10 mg benecar, due to atrial flutter, began XXXXXXX 2018. I noticed my lower legs and ankles are occasionally swelling with pitting edema. I need to ask
1. Is it better to wear upper- thigh high or calf high compression stockings? Which one
2. I am worried about this swelling. I had an ultrasound--no DVT but I have many varicose veins. What will help keep swelling down?
3. Do any of the meds I am taking cause swelling in lower legs?
The atrial flutter is controlled quite well
1. Is it better to wear upper- thigh high or calf high compression stockings? Which one
2. I am worried about this swelling. I had an ultrasound--no DVT but I have many varicose veins. What will help keep swelling down?
3. Do any of the meds I am taking cause swelling in lower legs?
The atrial flutter is controlled quite well
Brief Answer:
It is likely due to Diltiazem
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The swelling is likely a side effect of diltiazem. It is known to cause swelling in lower limbs. So you should request your treating doctor for dose reduction or better is to get started on beta blockers like Metoprolol instead of diltiazem. You should have low salt diet. Also, request to your regarding low dose diuretics like torsemide which will take care of edema.
So changing medicines may help you and may not compression stockings. However, for time being, you may use it. You need to use the compression stockings beginning from ankle and going up up to knees or higher level of edema. Just give mild compression
I guess, your echo is normal. Because, diastolic or systolic dysfunction can cause pedal edema.
Overall, doesn't appear to be worrisome matter, needs medicine change and evaluation of cardiac function, for which echo is needed which is guess must have been done recently.
Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.
Regards
It is likely due to Diltiazem
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
The swelling is likely a side effect of diltiazem. It is known to cause swelling in lower limbs. So you should request your treating doctor for dose reduction or better is to get started on beta blockers like Metoprolol instead of diltiazem. You should have low salt diet. Also, request to your regarding low dose diuretics like torsemide which will take care of edema.
So changing medicines may help you and may not compression stockings. However, for time being, you may use it. You need to use the compression stockings beginning from ankle and going up up to knees or higher level of edema. Just give mild compression
I guess, your echo is normal. Because, diastolic or systolic dysfunction can cause pedal edema.
Overall, doesn't appear to be worrisome matter, needs medicine change and evaluation of cardiac function, for which echo is needed which is guess must have been done recently.
Hope this helps you and get back if you have any doubts.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Does walking help or other exercise in reducing swelling ?
2....Should I get compression stockings that go all the way to top of thigh or just to knee???
2....Should I get compression stockings that go all the way to top of thigh or just to knee???
Brief Answer:
Leg elevation will help
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Actually speaking, since we are suspecting diltiazem as a likely cause, there is not much role of Compression stockings. However, since there may be a component of varicose as you have mentioned, I am considering it. So from ankle to just above the level of swelling. So up to knees is fine. Because these are found sufficient in most of the patients and tolerated well.
Limb elevation whenever you are resting and sleeping. Moving feet while sleeping will help in resolution, otherwise no definitive role of any other exercises.
Regards
Leg elevation will help
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Actually speaking, since we are suspecting diltiazem as a likely cause, there is not much role of Compression stockings. However, since there may be a component of varicose as you have mentioned, I am considering it. So from ankle to just above the level of swelling. So up to knees is fine. Because these are found sufficient in most of the patients and tolerated well.
Limb elevation whenever you are resting and sleeping. Moving feet while sleeping will help in resolution, otherwise no definitive role of any other exercises.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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