My
guess is he has been experiencing atrial fibrillation.
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/16765-atrial-fibrillation-afib
And that short stay in the hospital was for a simple, short cardiac outpatient procedure called "Catheter Ablation" to try to stop the irregular heartbeats. You need to stay off your feet for a few days for the minor incision in the groin to heal.
The biggest danger of afib is it can cause small blood clots to form in the quivering atrium that escape and go to the brain. You can get small TIA's or a full on brain damaging stroke.
And the reduced left ventricular cardiac ejection fraction from afib will cause reduced blood flow return from the feet, and reduced blood flow through the kidneys, causing water retention in the extremities. This is called edema. If he also has CVI or leaky valves in his leg veins, that makes it even harder to get that blood and fluid buildup out of his feet and ankles. The degree of pedal edema that shows in some photos is quite significant.
The relative gauntness of his face and reduced skin plumpness indicate he is on some sort of diuretic 'water pill' (like Lasix/Furosemide) to reduce the pumping load on his heart. But that even then, his heart is not functioning adequately to get that fluid back up his legs to his heart, then through his kidneys.
From google AI
The medical term for swollen feet and ankles caused by heart failure is edema, more specifically referred to as peripheral edema or pedal edema when it affects the feet and legs. This occurs because the heart's reduced pumping ability causes fluid to accumulate in the tissues of the lower extremities.
Why edema occurs in heart failure:
- Fluid retention:
When the heart isn't pumping blood efficiently, the resulting pressure build-up in the blood vessels causes fluid to leak into the surrounding tissues.
- Reduced circulation:
The impaired blood flow from the heart back to the body contributes to fluid pooling in the lower limbs, leading to swelling.
Where to find it:
- Peripheral edema: is the general term for swelling in the arms and legs, while pedal edema specifically points to the feet and ankles.
- Swelling from heart failure can also affect the abdomen and be so severe it leaves a temporary dent (a "pit") when pressed.
Key takeaway:
Edema in the legs and feet is a common and early sign of heart failure and requires medical attention.
