Cardiac Edema
Edema is the medical term for swelling. Edema happens when your small blood vessels (arteries and veins) leak fluid into nearby tissues. Doing so creates an excess amount of fluid. As the fluid builds up, the nearby tissues respond by swelling. Cardiac edema occurs when the heart’s diseased or overworked left ventricle (heart’s lower chamber) isn't able to pump out enough of the blood it receives from your lungs. This causes the heart to hold an excess amount of fluid; therefore, swelling.
Lifestyle changes and medications can help control cardiac edema, which can affect your quality of life. If you have cardiac edema or are concerned that you might, make an appointment to talk to a cardiologist.
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Causes of Cardiac Edema
Although cardiac edema is caused by many different reasons, some of the most common causes include:
Symptoms of Cardiac Edema
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of cardiac edema include:
- Difficulty breathing when lying flat.
- Extreme shortness of breath.
- Swelling in your lower extremities.
- Fatigue
- Feeling of suffocating or drowning.
- Rapid weight gain
Diagnosis of Cardiac Edema
To understand what might be causing your cardiac edema, your doctor will first perform a physical exam and ask you questions about your medical history. After that, you may have one or more of the following diagnostic tests and procedures:
- Blood tests
- Echocardiogram (ECHO)
- Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG)
- Urinalysis
- Computed tomography (CT scan)
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Treatment of Cardiac Edema
Treatment of cardiac edema has several options, most noticeable the lifestyle changes; however, medications can also help reduce signs and symptoms.
Lifestyle Changes
- Avoid alcohol consumption.
- Avoid smoking.
- Eat a heart-healthy diet.
- Exercise under the directions of your doctor.
- If you're overweight, talk to your doctor about weight loss options.
- Manage stress.
- Weigh in every morning before breakfast and record it in a diary that can be shown to a health care provider.
- Make and keep appointments to see your doctor for routine check-ups and follow-up tests.
Medications
- Diuretics “water pills” will help reduce the amount of fluid retention in your body.
- Beta blockers will help reduce your blood pressure.
- Heart rate medications will help regulate your heartbeat.
At RWJBarnabas Health, we are the destination for ensuring your heart health. If you are concerned about cardiac edema or another heart condition, connect with one of our expert New Jersey cardiologists.