NHS says leg symptom could be sign of heart failure

NHS says leg symptom could be sign of heart failure Certain groups are more at risk than others NHS guidance highlights how a symptom experienced in the legs could be a sign of heart failure. The sign may also show up in the feet, ankles or tummy. Heart failure is when your heart cannot pump blood properly. NHS advice states: "It does not mean your heart has stopped working or is about to stop working. There's no cure, but treatment and lifestyle changes can help." Heart failure can strike suddenly, such as following a heart attack or infection, or develop from prolonged strain on the heart, such as high blood pressure or coronary heart disease. Other potential causes of heart failure include heart valve disease; anaemia; cardiomyopathy; heart rhythm problems; chronic kidney disease; thyroid problems; or haemochromatosis (a condition that leads to too much iron in your blood). While anyone can develop heart failure, you may face a greater risk if you are 65 or older; are living with overweight or obesity; drink a lot of alcohol; use cocaine; are pregnant; or smoke. One key symptom of heart failure is swelling in the legs or ankles, though this can also occur in the feet or tummy (bloating). Additional warning signs include: - sudden weight gain - feeling out of breath when doing everyday activities or lying down - feeling weak, light-headed or very tired, particularly after moving or doing physical activity - being more out of breath than you would expect when doing physical activity - coughing at night - coughing up frothy pink phlegm - feeling light-headed or dizzy Anyone experiencing symptoms of heart failure should arrange a GP appointment. An urgent GP appointment or assistance from NHS 111 should be sought if you become breathless while lying down or during everyday activities, experience sudden weight gain, or find yourself coughing up frothy pink phlegm. NHS guidance adds: "Heart failure is a serious condition that affects everyone differently. Symptoms can vary from day to day and week to week. "While there's currently no cure, treatment and lifestyle changes can help manage symptoms and keep heart failure stable for many years. A heart specialist (cardiologist) and care team will talk to you about treatment options and any other changes you may need to make. "This will depend on the type of heart failure you have, what's caused it and any other conditions."