3. Swollen Feet, Legs, and Abdomen
Edema is one of the symptoms of high blood pressure in its worst form and can ultimately lead to heart failure if not treated from the onset. This type of edema is characterized by abnormal swellings in the ankles, legs, or lungs. It is caused by pulmonary hypertension, a high blood pressure condition that affects the lungs.
The condition narrows and blocks the pulmonary arteries, restricting blood movement from the right heart ventricle to the lungs and forcing the heart to increase pressure to overcome the restriction. This buildup in pressure causes air in the lungs to be replaced with fluid and swellings in the ankles or legs. In some cases, the condition can cause the right heart ventricle to overwork itself to heart failure, leading to death.
