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What Causes Persistent Swelling In Feet With History Of Heart Attack?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Mar 2016
Question: I had a heart attack 8 years ago. For the past several months my feet have been swelling at the end of the day. My cardiologist said to reduce my salt intake. My feet are still swelling at the end of the day? Most of the time it is better after a night's sleep but not always.
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Answered by Dr. Ilir Sharka (38 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
I would explain as follows:

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Welcome on HCM!

Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that facing the fact you have experienced a heart attack, it is most likely your current symptoms be caused by heart failure.

Frequently, after a heart attack, cardiac performance may be variably affected depending on the severity of myocardial injury. This leads to decreased systolic function and clinical symptomatology of heart failure.

But, your feet swelling may be also caused by lower limbs vein insufficiency.

That's why it is necessary to review your actual cardiac ultrasound (ECHO) and also a Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs blood vessels.

If a decreased cardiac performance is confirmed, probably it would be more appropriate to start diuretics as well as other vasodilators to your daily maintenance therapy.

I recommend discussing with your attending doctor on the above mentioned issues.

In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again.

Kind regards,

Dr. Iliri



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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Ilir Sharka

Cardiologist

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 9544 Questions

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What Causes Persistent Swelling In Feet With History Of Heart Attack?

Brief Answer: I would explain as follows: Detailed Answer: Hello, Welcome on HCM! Regarding your concern, I would like to explain that facing the fact you have experienced a heart attack, it is most likely your current symptoms be caused by heart failure. Frequently, after a heart attack, cardiac performance may be variably affected depending on the severity of myocardial injury. This leads to decreased systolic function and clinical symptomatology of heart failure. But, your feet swelling may be also caused by lower limbs vein insufficiency. That's why it is necessary to review your actual cardiac ultrasound (ECHO) and also a Doppler ultrasound of the lower limbs blood vessels. If a decreased cardiac performance is confirmed, probably it would be more appropriate to start diuretics as well as other vasodilators to your daily maintenance therapy. I recommend discussing with your attending doctor on the above mentioned issues. In case of any further uncertainties, feel free to ask me again. Kind regards, Dr. Iliri