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Sunday, 21 October 2018 17:54

Edema and Your Heart

Published in Heart Disease
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Edema and Your Heart

Edema is swelling caused by excess fluid trapped in your body's tissues. Edema occurs when tiny blood vessels in your body (capillaries) leak fluid. The fluid builds up in surrounding tissues, leading to swelling. Although edema can affect any part of your body, it's most commonly noticed in the hands, arms, feet, ankles and legs.

Edema may be generalized or local. It can appear suddenly, but usually develops subtly - the patient may first gain weight, or wake up with puffy eyes.

Mild cases of edema may result from:

  • Sitting or staying in one position for too long
  • Eating too much salty food
  • Premenstrual signs and symptoms
  • Pregnancy

Edema can also be a side effect of some medications, including:

  • High blood pressure medications
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
  • Steroid drugs
  • Estrogens
  • Certain diabetes medications called thiazolidinedione's

In some cases; however, edema may be a sign of a more serious underlying heart or other body condition.
Edema can be caused by heart failure and should be checked to make sure that there is not an underlying heart or other body disease or illness.

 

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