A seemingly odd three-second technique could actually reveal a potentially fatal health condition, say experts. Pushing down on the legs can show signs of heart failure and other serious illnesses.
Heart failure means the heart is struggling to circulate blood effectively, due to it being too weak or rigid. There is no cure for heart failure. It is a long-term condition that tends to get gradually worse over time.
Early detection of warning signs can, therefore, be critical. A lesser-known symptom can affect the legs and can be checked using a simple test.
The Mayo Clinic in the US lists pitting oedema as a potential sign of heart failure. Oedema is swelling caused by too much fluid trapped in the body’s tissues. It can affect any part of the body but is most common in the legs and feet.
To know for sure if you have oedema you can press down on your skin for a few seconds. If the dimple created holds its position for a while rather than disappearing quickly, this is oedema.
The clinic says: “Skin that holds a dimple, also known as pitting, after it’s been pressed for a few seconds.”
Other markers of oedema are:
- Swelling or puffiness of the tissue right under the skin, especially in legs or arms
- Stretched or shiny skin
- Swelling of the belly, also called the abdomen, so that it’s bigger than usual
- Feeling of leg heaviness
Experts at the clinic have shed light on the connection between oedema and heart failure, stating: “Congestive heart failure causes one or both of the heart’s lower chambers stop pumping blood well. As a result, blood can back up in the legs, ankles and feet, causing oedema.”
They added: “Congestive heart failure can also cause swelling in the stomach area. This condition also can cause fluid to build up in the lungs. Known as pulmonary oedema, this can lead to shortness of breath.”
However, oedema can also indicate liver damage, kidney disease, deep vein thrombosis, or less serious conditions such as pregnancy, prolonged sitting, excessive salt intake, and certain medications like blood pressure drugs and steroids.
Other symptoms of heart failure include breathlessness after activity or at rest, constant fatigue and difficulty exercising, feeling faint or lightheaded, a persistent cough, a rapid heart rate, and dizziness. If you experience any of these symptoms or unexplained oedema, it is advised to consult with a doctor.