OverviewExtra fluid in the lungs makes it hard to breathe.What is cardiogenic pulmonary edema?Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is an accumulation of extra fluid in your lungs that can be life-threatening. This comes from pressure going up and blood collecting on the left side of your heart, usually because of heart failure. In addition to difficulty breathing, cardiac edema can lead to organ damage from a lack of enough oxygen. Show
Cardiac edema vs. pulmonary edemaBoth of these mean you have too much fluid in your lungs, which makes it hard for you to breathe. Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is a type of pulmonary edema with a heart problem as its cause. An injury to your lungs causes the non-cardiogenic type of pulmonary edema. Cardiac edema vs. renal edemaThese are both names for excess fluid in your organs. With cardiac edema, there’s too much fluid in your lungs. With renal edema, there’s too much fluid in your kidneys. Heart failure can cause both of these. Also, your kidneys can’t get enough fluid out of your blood and into your pee. Who does heart edema affect?Cardiac edema affects people with heart conditions, especially heart failure. About 6 million American adults have heart failure. An estimated 80% of people with heart failure have pulmonary edema. Symptoms and CausesWhat are the symptoms?Symptoms of cardiogenic pulmonary edema include:
What causes cardiogenic pulmonary edema?Congestive heart failure is the most common cause of heart edema. Other causes include:
Diagnosis and TestsHow is cardiac edema diagnosed?Your healthcare provider will:
What tests will be done to diagnose heart edema?After your exam, your provider may order these tests that help show what’s going on:
Management and TreatmentHow is cardiogenic pulmonary edema treated?Procedures or invasive treatments for cardiac edema include:
What medications are used?Your healthcare provider may prescribe:
If you have heart failure, your healthcare provider will ask you to take salt out of your diet. This includes salt you add to food and salt that’s already in prepared or processed foods. Other things that may help:
PreventionHow can I reduce my risk?Since cardiogenic pulmonary edema happens when you already have a problem with your heart, the best way to reduce your risk is by keeping your heart strong and healthy. Ways to do that include:
Outlook / PrognosisWhat can I expect if I have cardiogenic pulmonary edema?Pulmonary edema is life-threatening, but your prognosis depends on what caused it. One year after discharge from a hospital, about 50% survive cardiac edema. Heart failure, a common cause of cardiogenic pulmonary edema, is a chronic disease that can get better with treatment. Out of every three people who’ve been in the hospital because of heart failure, one person lives five or more years after their stay. Living WithHow do I take care of myself?Weighing yourself every day at the same time can help you know if your cardiac edema is getting worse. It may be easiest to step on your scale before breakfast, but after you pee. If you gain more than two pounds a day, your body is probably retaining fluid. When should I see my healthcare provider?You should contact your provider if you have:
When should I go to the ER?Call 911 if you’re having trouble breathing or if you’re having chest pain. What questions should I ask my doctor?
A note from Cleveland Clinic When your healthcare provider diagnoses and treats your cardiogenic pulmonary edema early, it’s better than if you wait to get care. This is why it’s good to keep going to your regular checkups with your provider. They can keep an eye on any cardiac issues you have that may lead to cardiac edema. Taking the medicines they give you can prevent heart problems you have from getting worse. Why do we get pulmonary edema in leftPulmonary edema is often caused by congestive heart failure. When the heart is not able to pump efficiently, blood can back up into the veins that take blood through the lungs. As the pressure in these blood vessels increases, fluid is pushed into the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs.
What force causes the pulmonary edema in left ventricular failure?Increased hydrostatic pressure leading to pulmonary edema may result from many causes, including excessive intravascular volume administration, pulmonary venous outflow obstruction (eg, mitral stenosis or left atrial [LA] myxoma), and LV failure secondary to systolic or diastolic dysfunction of the left ventricle.
Can heart failure cause pulmonary edema?Pulmonary edema is often caused by congestive heart failure. When the heart is not able to pump efficiently, blood can back up into the veins that take blood through the lungs. As the pressure in these blood vessels increases, fluid is pushed into the air spaces (alveoli) in the lungs.
Is pulmonary edema seen in right or left heart failure?Pulmonary edema is acute, severe left ventricular failure with pulmonary venous hypertension and alveolar flooding. Findings are severe dyspnea, diaphoresis, wheezing, and sometimes blood-tinged frothy sputum. Diagnosis is clinical and by chest x-ray.
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