High blood pressure can indirectly cause swelling in the ankles, but it is usually not the direct cause. Swelling in the ankles, also known as peripheral edema, often occurs when the heart, kidneys, or blood vessels are affected by conditions related to or worsened by high blood pressure.
When blood pressure is high, it puts extra strain on the heart and blood vessels. Over time, this strain can lead to heart failure, where the heart is unable to pump blood effectively. When the heart’s pumping ability decreases, blood can back up in the veins of the legs and ankles, causing fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues and resulting in swelling[2]. This swelling is a common symptom of heart failure and is often one of the first signs noticed.
High blood pressure can also damage the kidneys. The kidneys play a crucial role in regulating fluid balance in the body. When they are damaged, they may not remove excess fluid properly, leading to fluid retention and swelling in the legs and ankles[1]. This is why patients with high blood pressure and swelling should have their kidney function checked promptly.
Certain medications used to treat high blood pressure, such as amlodipine (a calcium channel blocker), are known to cause swelling of the ankles as a side effect. This occurs because these medications can cause blood vessels to dilate, leading to fluid leakage into the tissues[3][4]. If swelling develops after starting such medication, doctors may consider adjusting the treatment.
Swelling in the ankles should never be ignored, especially in people with high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. It can be a warning sign of serious conditions like heart failure, kidney damage, or other systemic issues[1][2]. Early medical evaluation is important to identify the underlying cause and start appropriate treatment.
In summary, high blood pressure itself does not directly cause ankle swelling, but it can lead to heart or kidney problems that do cause swelling. Additionally, some blood pressure medications can cause swelling as a side effect. If you experience persistent ankle swelling, it is important to seek medical advice to rule out these serious conditions.
Sources:
[1] Hindustan Times, Orthopaedic surgeon shares how ignoring swollen feet led to kidney failure and heart strain
[2] Advanced Cardiovascular Center, Trump’s leg swelling as a heart warning
[3] DrOracle.ai, Does amlodipine cause peripheral edema?
[4] DrOracle.ai, How to manage ankle edema in patients taking amlodipine
