A video shared on Instagram by Dr Vartika Vishwani, surgical oncologist at Artemis Hospital, Gurugram, addresses a claim about elevating your legs and its supposed benefits for the heart. The video begins with a generic suggestion that doing the exercise could make your "heart thank you", but Dr Vishwani says that particular claim does not have a direct connection to heart health.
According to Dr Vishwani, elevating the legs can have a medical purpose in certain situations, but it should not be presented as a way to strengthen the heart or prevent heart disease. She explains why the practice is used by doctors and where its actual benefits lie.
What happens when you elevate your legs?
Dr Vishwani explains that when a patient's blood pressure is low, doctors may lower the head and elevate the lower limbs above heart level. Similarly, patients with swelling or edema in their legs may be advised to place a pillow under their legs.
There is a scientific reason behind this. Elevating the legs above heart level uses gravity to improve venous and lymphatic drainage. It can temporarily help reduce mild swelling, heaviness and fatigue, particularly after prolonged standing.
The practice can also be advised for people with varicose veins and lymphedema. By helping blood and fluid move back towards the upper body, leg elevation can provide temporary relief from some of the symptoms associated with these conditions.
It does not strengthen your heart
Dr Vishwani, however, points out that improving venous return temporarily is not the same as improving the health of the heart itself. Leg elevation does not strengthen the heart or prevent heart disease.
It also does not permanently cure varicose veins or lymphedema. While elevating the legs can be useful for managing symptoms, it is not a standalone treatment for these conditions.
For people dealing with these problems, Dr Vishwani says walking, calf muscle exercises and weight management are more important. Medically advised compression can also be used where appropriate. These measures are more evidence-based approaches to managing problems related to circulation, swelling and the lower limbs.
The takeaway from her explanation is simple: elevating your legs can have a genuine medical benefit, particularly for venous and lymphatic drainage, but the claim that it directly makes your heart healthier goes beyond what the practice can actually do.
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