Hi, thank you for the question. In your father’s case, it is most likely due to the medications. There are antihypertensive medications that can cause swollen feet. It happened when you are taking a types of drug called calcium channel blockers, such as amlodipine, diltiazem, nifedipine or verapamil.

Swollen feet and ankle is a common side effects of this medication among general population. The swelling is due to pooling of blood in the legs, causing fluid to accumulate around the area. It is more common among women, posture, age and dosage of the medication. There are a few ways to deal with this problem by your doctor.

Doctor may lower the dosage of your dad’s medication to reduce the swelling, but it also depends on the blood pressure control. If lowering the dosage is not possible, doctor may add another medications called diuretics or venodilator that help to reduce fluid accumulation. In the event of persistent swelling, doctor may need to change your calcium channel blocker to other antihypertensive medications.

Most cases resolved after switching the medication. During this period of time, you can help your father to reduce the swelling by lifting his leg up while sitting or sleep with a pillow under his legs. This helps to improve blood flow back to the heart, reduce the pooling of blood around the feet and ankle. Some patient may have swelling if the hypertension is untreated for a long period of time.

As prolonged high blood pressure makes your heart works harder, the heart becomes thicker and pumps blood less effectively, causes feet and ankle to swell up. Since your father have been on oral medication, it is more likely to be a side effect of the medication. Please discuss with your doctor about this matter. Have a good day !!