I have been on Cardizem for hypertension for almost 2 years (other
medications tried and discarded before that).  A documented side effect
is swelling ankles, which I have had off and on for about a year since
my dosage was increased (I'm on the maximum now).  My doctor says not
to worry about it, and he gave me a diuretic to take if I want to, but
I haven't used it yet because I don't know if they'll swell until late
afternoon and by then why bother.  And I don't want to have to take the
stuff every day.  (I was on vacation for 2 weeks recently and didn't
have the problem most of that time -- I figure it's because I got a chance
to put my feet up more often.)  My ankles never swell early in the day
and it tends to be worse (predictably) in hot weather.

Should I be concerned about this?  The swelling is not severe but I guess
it's just annoying because I never had it before in my life (I'm 46). Also
is there any significance to the fact that my left ankle usually gets
puffier than the right?