Edema

Edema The accumulation of extra fluid in tissues. The tissue looks puffy and if pressed with a finger will hold the indentation after the finger is removed. In CHF (see definition below) when the body starts to retain water to raise the blood pressure, edema can often result.

  • Pulmonary edema, (excessive fluid in the lung tissue) can also result.
  • Lymphedema can also result in congestive heart failure(CHF). A condition when the heart, for what ever reason, cannot meet the demands of the body. The body compensates in three major ways.
    Increased sympathetic tone.
    Increased sodium and water retention.
    Myocardial hypertrophy.