Overview

• Leg swelling, or oedema, can involve the ankles, feet or legs, may make walking difficult, and often eases in the morning before worsening later in the day.
• Heart failure arises when the heart is too weak or stiff to pump blood effectively, increasing vessel pressure and pushing fluid into surrounding tissues.
• Typical oedema signs include puffy limbs, shiny or stretched skin, changes in skin colour, stiffness, and a visible dent after pressing on the area.
• Similar swelling can also result from prolonged sitting or standing, high salt intake, pregnancy, certain medications, injuries or insect stings, kidney or liver problems, infection, or a blood clot.
• Other heart failure symptoms can include breathlessness, fatigue, a persistent nighttime cough or wheeze, abdominal bloating, appetite or weight changes, confusion, palpitations, or a rapid heartbeat.