I have been vacationing in 8000 elevation and temperatures in mid 80 and 90 s. My ankles and feet have doubled in size with pitting edema. I am not a smoker, nor have I ever been. Though I will have some isolated episodes of SOB. I am female and am 60 pounds overweight. I am walking in the mornings with little discomfort. I am wanting to know what is causing this? Should I follow up with my pcp? Should I be concerned? Thank you.
Hi, The discomfort during walking and edema of the feet may be due to heart failure and or as a cardiac sign of ischemia. Other causes of edema are thyroid or kidney problems. Your symptoms are important and you should be concerned. Visit your primary care physician and after a physical exam and history taking he may refer you for lab test and echocardiography and ECG. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.