Congestive Heart Failure
Edema is commonly seen in individuals with congestive heart failure because of fluid retention. There are two main types of congestive heart failure, namely, systolic and diastolic heart failure. Systolic heart failure occurs when the heart muscle contracts and doesn’t pump enough blood during each heartbeat.
Diastolic heart failure occurs when the heart muscle relaxes between beats and doesn’t fill properly with blood. Both types of congestive heart failure can lead to pitting edema. When congestive heart failure occurs, it causes changes in blood vessels. These changes include increased inflammation, constriction of veins, and damage to small capillaries.
In addition, blood vessel changes can impede proper blood flow and cause abnormalities in pressure within the vessels. The result is an increase in hydrostatic pressure, which forces fluids out of the bloodstream and into the surrounding tissue, leading to the development of pitting edema.
Treatment for pitting edema caused by congestive heart failure includes lifestyle changes such as reducing salt intake, quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. If these lifestyle changes don’t improve the condition, a doctor may prescribe medications such as diuretics, ACE inhibitors, or beta-blockers.
