Heart Surgeon with 25 Years’ Experience Explains When Leg Swelling Becomes Dangerous

A senior heart surgeon with 25 years of clinical experience has shed light on a common yet often ignored symptom—swelling in the legs. While mild swelling can result from prolonged standing or travel, the specialist cautions that persistent or unexplained swelling may indicate an underlying cardiovascular or circulatory problem.

“Blood can pool in your legs if the heart is not pumping efficiently or if veins are not functioning properly,” the surgeon explained.

Why Do Legs Swell?

Leg swelling, medically known as edema, occurs when excess fluid accumulates in tissues. In some cases, it’s harmless and temporary—such as after long flights, hot weather, or high salt intake.

However, chronic or worsening swelling can point to more serious conditions.

When Blood Pools in the Legs

According to the surgeon, blood pooling typically happens when:

The heart’s pumping ability weakens
Veins struggle to push blood back toward the heart
Valves inside leg veins become inefficient

In such cases, fluid leaks into surrounding tissues, leading to visible swelling around the ankles, feet, or calves.

Link to Heart Conditions

One of the major concerns is heart failure, where the heart cannot pump blood effectively. This can cause fluid buildup not only in the legs but sometimes in the lungs and abdomen.

Swelling that worsens by evening or improves when legs are elevated may suggest circulation-related causes.

Other Possible Causes

The surgeon also noted that leg swelling can result from:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Kidney or liver disorders
Certain medications
Lymphatic blockages

Sudden swelling in one leg, especially if accompanied by pain or redness, may require urgent medical evaluation.

Warning Signs Not to Ignore

Medical attention is advised if swelling is paired with:

Shortness of breath
Chest discomfort
Rapid weight gain
Persistent fatigue

These symptoms may indicate fluid overload or cardiac strain.

Preventive Measures

To reduce risk, experts recommend:

Regular physical activity
Maintaining a healthy weight
Reducing excessive salt intake
Avoiding prolonged sitting without movement

Compression stockings may also help in cases of venous insufficiency, under medical guidance.

The Bottom Line

While occasional leg swelling may be harmless, persistent or sudden edema should not be dismissed. As the heart surgeon emphasises, pooled blood in the legs can be an early sign of circulatory or cardiac problems. Timely evaluation and appropriate treatment can help prevent more serious complications.