Re: congestive heart failure

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - HSB on October 20, 1997 at 09:58:57:

In Reply to: congestive heart failure posted by Cyndi on October 15, 1997 at 04:59:00:







: Hi,  I'm currently taking, prednisone, methotrexate,HCTZ, folic acid, prilosec, reglan, levsin, premarin, duragesic75, & B-12 shots monthly.  My neighbor who is an R.N. was over today and noticed my feet and legs which have been quite swollen lately.  She was concerned about dongestive heart failure so I asked her what were other symtoms (symptoms) of it but she did'nt seem to know anymore than the swellin part.  What do I look for and do I need to worry just because of the extra swelling I have been having lately?  I'm 50 yrs. old, female & have severe psoriatic arthritis, osteoarthritis, reynauds, sjogrens, motility & stomach problems.  Thank you for any assisitance you may be to me.  Cyndi



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Dear Cyndi:
                       A number of conditions can result in leg edema.  These include varicose veins, venous thrombosis (usually limited to one leg), fluid retention secondary to medications, renal disease, liver disease and heart disease.   Congestive heart failure is associated with the following symptoms; shortness of breath, fatigue, leg edema, shortness of breath upon reclining etc. From your description it is quite possible that your leg swelling may be due to your medications.  Prednisone and estrogen can result in fluid retention.  However,  other conditions should be ruled out.  I suggest that you contact your family doctor and discuss these issues.  If you are interested, an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic can be obtained by calling 1-800-CCF-CARE.
Information provided in the Heart Forum is intended for general medical informational purposes only. Actual diagnosis and treatment of disease can only be made by your physician.