Heart bypass 5 years back & no complications. But sometimes I have swelling in the left ankle. Why sometime?

Question

I am doing very well & quite active. All the blood tests and BP are OK.
Why there is swelling in the left ankle only sometimes? When this happens it lasts for several days and once it is gone there are no such symptoms for many days.

Answer 1

Sounds like you are retaining fluid once in a while. This is not a problem since it is only once in a while but please mention this to your doctor so he can make a note of it on your chart. When you do have the swelling watch you sodium intake, wear an ace wrap or TED stocking on that leg and keep it elevated when you can.

Answer 2

I would be willing to bet that that was the site of your vein harvesting. Because a major vessel that was draining your leg of blood is now gone, there is a tendency to build up fluid. If it is bothersome, it may make sense to have a diuretic, like Lasix available to take on an as needed basis. Raising your leg on a regular basis may also be helpful in preventing the edema. Congratulations on being active - this too will be helpful in reducing the tendency to have swelling.

It is not dangerous nor does it necessarily in this case lead to anything or mean your heart is failing, so treatment is mainly for comfort.

Be well and good luck.

Answer 3

Fluid accumulates in tissue after they harvest veins in your legs for CABG, the only treatment is keeping legs elevated as much as possible and wearing compression stockings.