My dad has a very bad heart and his feet started to swell today. He is almost 74 years of age, weighs about 135 lbs and is about 54. He has had by pass surgery 13 years ago, had a stroke 5 years ago, heartache 2 years ago and a heartache 6 weeks ago. Is this a concern
Hi, Yes, certainly it's a matter of worry and indicates that heart is pumping adequate blood so leads to swelling of legs and other sites. However, it's a treatable condition. His echo should be done and hell need some medicine called as diuretics like Dy tor etc. At home, he should have strict salt and water restrictions preferably less than one liter.  Also, he should have a healthy lifestyle like avoiding fatty, oily and high calorie diet. Have low salt diet and monitor blood pressure regularly thrice a day for one week then once or twice a week. Regular exercises like brisk walking, or just walking according your capacity at least 30 min a day and 5 days a week. Eat lots of green leafy vegetables, fruits, fish once or twice a week, avoid meat. Avoid smoking and alcohol if any. There shouldn't abdominal fat deposition or obesity. Get your lipid profile and sugars tested once. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. 