Epistemis

Swelling of both legs

Specialty: Cardiovascular.

  • swollen legs
  • edema in the ankles
  • liquid retention

Why it occurs

  • Heart failure
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Hypoalbuminemia (hepatic/renal)
  • Drugs (calcium antagonists)
  • Lymphedema

Initial workup

Look for signs of heart failure; proteins, kidney and liver function; evaluate drugs.

red flags

Bilateral edema with dyspnea, orthopnea and crackles → decompensated heart failure.

Standard management

  • Treat the cause — diuretic if overload; compression stockings in venous insufficiency

Educational guidance for study. It is NOT a prescription recommendation. The actual choice depends on the cause, the patient, and current guidelines.

PreviousPulsatile congestive hepatomegaly
Area
Cardiovascular
Listed causes
5
Treatment options
1
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