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What Causes Swelling With Pitting Edema In The Legs When Diagnosed With Atrial Flutter?
Question: I am 71. Diagnosed with atrial flutter 4 months ago. I am taking diltiazem 180 mg, flecainide 200 mg, Eliquis 10mg,and 10 mg of benecar--- --- all per day. For the last 2 weeks I have seen that my lower legs... bilateral... near the ankle and lower calf are swelling, with pitting edema. They go down when I have them elevated. I never have had ankle swelling....I had a test and there was no deep vein thrombosis. _Are there any of the drugs I take that cause the swelling of the ankle and lower leg?? Should I see if there is an underlying disease?
Brief Answer:
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your symptoms could be related to increased fluid retention, probably related to heart failure (considering also the fact that you are having atrial fibrillation). Other possible causes of fluid retention would be kidney or liver dysfunction or an electrolyte imbalance.
For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a physical exam and some tests:
- A cardiac ultrasound and NT pro BNP plasma levels for possible heart failure
- Kidney and liver function tests for possible dysfunction
- Blood electrolytes for any possible imbalances
- A urine analysis
The main treatment for leg swelling are diuretics like Furosemide or Torasemide, which can help push away from the body excessive water and reduce leg swelling. You should discuss with your attending physician on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful! If you have any other questions, I would be glad to answer to all of them! Wishing good health.
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
I would recommend as follows:
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Your symptoms could be related to increased fluid retention, probably related to heart failure (considering also the fact that you are having atrial fibrillation). Other possible causes of fluid retention would be kidney or liver dysfunction or an electrolyte imbalance.
For this reason, I would recommend consulting with your attending physician for a physical exam and some tests:
- A cardiac ultrasound and NT pro BNP plasma levels for possible heart failure
- Kidney and liver function tests for possible dysfunction
- Blood electrolytes for any possible imbalances
- A urine analysis
The main treatment for leg swelling are diuretics like Furosemide or Torasemide, which can help push away from the body excessive water and reduce leg swelling. You should discuss with your attending physician on the above issues.
Hope to have been helpful! If you have any other questions, I would be glad to answer to all of them! Wishing good health.
Regards,
Dr. Iliri
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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