12 Symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure That Show Up in Your Legs and Feet
10. Cold Feet, Even in Warm Socks
Your toes feel icy despite cozy socks, like stepping on a frosty floor. Lisa, 55, noticed it nightly, thinking it was poor circulation. CHF reduces blood flow, leaving feet chilly, studies confirm in 40% of cases. Warm baths might soothe, but don’t ignore it. Feet freezing? The next sign tingles.
9. Tingling or Numbness in Feet
A prickly buzz in your feet, like static, catches you off guard. Mike, 58, felt it while relaxing, dismissing it as sitting too long. Nerve compression from CHF fluid buildup can cause this, research suggests, affecting 1 in 4 patients. Stretching might help, but it’s a clue. Tingling much? This one’s a visible shift.
8. Skin That Looks Shiny or Tight
Your shins gleam unnaturally, stretched like a drum. Emily, 49, noticed her legs looked glossy, assuming it was dry skin. CHF’s fluid retention can tighten skin, per studies, often in advanced cases. Moisturizers don’t fix this. Skin changing? The next symptom’s a color alert.
7. Red or Purple Discoloration
Patches on your legs turn reddish-purple, like spilled wine. John, 62, saw it on his calves, blaming bruises. Poor circulation in CHF can cause blood pooling, studies note, showing up in 30% of patients. Monitor changes closely. Seeing odd hues? This one’s about pain.
6. Aching or Cramping Legs
A dull ache grips your calves after a short walk, like overworked muscles. Karen, 50, ignored it until climbing stairs became a chore. CHF strains leg veins, triggering cramps, per research on venous insufficiency. Resting helps, but it’s a sign. Legs hurting? The next one’s a weighty issue.
