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Why Do My Ankles Swell Up During The Day And Reduce After Sleeping When Diagnosed With COPD And Atrial Fibrillation?

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Posted on Wed, 17 Feb 2021
Question: My ankles swell up during the day go down after sleeping. I have been diagnosed COPD and afib
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Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
different possible causes

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

Swelling of both ankles can have different possible causes- (1) side effect of medication eg blood pressure medication , amlodipine, causes swelling of the ankles

(2)heart disease- heart failure (when the heart cannot meet the demands of the body), can cause swelling as well. There would usually be additional symptoms such as shortness of breath
An ECG and echo can determine if there is any issue with heart function.

(3)liver or kidney disease- abnormal function of either of these can cause swelling. Blood tests can assess the kidney and liver.

(4)venous disease- presence of varicose veins

(5)arthritis


During the day as persons move around, stand up etc, blood can pool in the ankles and/or legs as a result of any of these conditions. Because they are propped up during the night as persons sleep, the swelling improves.

Propping them up during the day would help but it would also be best to determine the specific cause. This would require an assessment by your doctor.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16835 Questions

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Why Do My Ankles Swell Up During The Day And Reduce After Sleeping When Diagnosed With COPD And Atrial Fibrillation?

Brief Answer: different possible causes Detailed Answer: Hi, Swelling of both ankles can have different possible causes- (1) side effect of medication eg blood pressure medication , amlodipine, causes swelling of the ankles (2)heart disease- heart failure (when the heart cannot meet the demands of the body), can cause swelling as well. There would usually be additional symptoms such as shortness of breath An ECG and echo can determine if there is any issue with heart function. (3)liver or kidney disease- abnormal function of either of these can cause swelling. Blood tests can assess the kidney and liver. (4)venous disease- presence of varicose veins (5)arthritis During the day as persons move around, stand up etc, blood can pool in the ankles and/or legs as a result of any of these conditions. Because they are propped up during the night as persons sleep, the swelling improves. Propping them up during the day would help but it would also be best to determine the specific cause. This would require an assessment by your doctor. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions