Hello Swelling on the arms while climbs upstairs may be due to these possibilities in a female over weight patient , these are : 1 Congestive heart failure , diagnosis can be confirmed by ECHO and ecg . 2 Chronic renal failure is another common cause of such swelling . Diagnosis can be confirmed by serum cratinine and blood urea with ultrasound of kidneys. 3 Hypoproteinaemia is another possibility of such swelling . Get in blood examination for protein and urine for any protein presence . Mrere writing of swelling on arms during upstairs is not sufficient to diagnose a patient as swelling anemia , hypertension or diabetes . So consult a primary care physician and get his opinion because physical examination is also important . Good luck.