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Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
Description
Cardiogenic pulmonary edema is an accumulation of extra fluid in the lungs that can be fatal. This is caused by heart failure and results from blood building up and pressure increasing on the left side of the heart. In addition to making it harder to breathe, cardiac edema can cause organ damage due to insufficient oxygen.
Symptoms
Symptoms of cardiogenic pulmonary edema include:
- Difficulty breathing when exerting yourself or lying down
- Shortness of breath that wakes you from sleep
- Legs swelling
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Chest pain
- A cough may be associated with worsening edema
If you experience any of these symptoms, visit a General Practitioner (General Practice doctor), who might refer you to a Cardiologist, for proper diagnosis and treatment to prevent further complications.
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View MoreDoctor Nader botrosSenior Consultant Cardiovascular Diseases and Catheterization - National Heart InstituteBook
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Causes
- Coronary artery disease with left ventricular failure (myocardial infarction)
- Congestive heart failure
- Cardiomyopathy
- Problems with the valves on the left side of the heart
- Heart arrhythmias
Diagnostics
Your pulmonologist or cardiologist may request the following tests:
- Electrocardiogram
- Chest X-ray
- Echocardiogram
- Blood tests
- Pulmonary arterial catheter (using a catheter to check the pressure in the pulmonary artery)
Treatment
Common treatments for pulmonary edema include:
- Supplemental oxygen
- Diuretics (Ex: furosemide to rid the body of excess fluid)
- Nitroglycerin (to help lower pressure within the heart)
- Dopamine and dobutamine to help the heart pump more efficiently
- Morphine, which can help reduce anxiety and improve breathing
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) to improve breathing
- Ventilators may improve breathing
