sudden 3–5 pound weight gain in just a few days. This peripheral edema occurs because a weaker heart can’t push blood efficiently, causing fluid to leak into surrounding tissues. Guidelines from both the American Heart Association and Mayo Clinic highlight leg swelling as a classic marker of early heart strain.
The key detail: it’s usually worse at the end of the day and improves slightly after elevating your legs. Sudden changes like this deserve prompt attention because they can point to fluid retention linked to heart function.
