Leaky valve

A few years ago I was diagnosed with a leaky valve on the right side of my heart.  The Dr. did the Echocardiogram and found it.  Prior to that he noticed swelling in my ankles which prompted him to do the test.  Recently I had a long road trip of 24 hrs. with breaks every 4 hrs., my right leg swelled 3x it's normal size.  It's taken almost 6 days for swelling to go down.  Both ankles are puffy more on the right side than the left.  Also I've had past surgeries on my right knee and this might be some of the cause.  I've booked appointments with Cardiologist and Ortho when I return from my trip in 2 wks.  What about concerns for blood clots with these symptoms?

Thank you for your feedback.  Hope all's well.  : D

[Cleveland Clinic]

There is at least moderate to even hign concern for blood clot in the setting of traveling and a history of valvular heart disease and prior knee surgery.  I would get this checked out with an ultrasound.  Of course, as you were saying, the swelling may be related due to poor venous transport in the setting of prior surgery, but that also is the same mechanism for increased risk of clot formation.