Fluid retention that can signal a serious heart problem
Edema, or swelling, occurs when excess fluid collects in your body’s tissues. Dependent edema is specific to parts of the body that that are influenced by gravity, such as your legs, feet, or arms below the heart, such as your legs, feet, or arms, where gravity causes the fluid to pool causing swelling.
Edema may be a side effect of medications for conditions such as high blood pressure or diabetes. But in some cases, it can be a symptom of serious heart problem, such as:
- Kidney damage or disease
- Liver damage
- Lymphatic system damage
What are the symptoms of dependent edema?
Signs and symptoms may include:
- Bloating
- Stretched or shiny skin
- Shallow impression or dimple that forms when skin is pressed
- Swollen legs or arms
Causes
The causes of dependent edema include:
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Liver failure
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Immobility
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Medications
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Nephrotic syndrome – kidney disorder that can cause swelling.
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Malabsorption – Body’s inability to absorb nutrients can lead to swelling.
Prevention
Strategies to prevent or reduce the swelling include:
- Elevating the arm, leg, or foot above the heart.
- Wearing compression stockings.
- Recognition of the symptoms and seeking early medical attention.
- Treatment of the underlying medication conditions that cause dependent edema.
Tests
Diagnosing a potential heart or vascular condition is the first step to developing a treatment plan. Our specialists may recommend one or more diagnostic and imaging procedures.
Angiogram (Angiography)
An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.
Arterial Duplex Ultrasound for Arms and Legs
Arterial duplex ultrasound uses Doppler and traditional ultrasound to assess blood flow in the arteries of your arms and legs.
Blood tests
Pulse Volume Recording
Pulse volume recording tests are used to evaluate blood flow through the arteries in your arms or legs.
Urinalysis
Treatments
Dependent edema likely will improve with treatment of the condition causing it. Your doctor also may recommend therapies to reduce the edema more rapidly, such as compression garments, medication, or advanced treatments. While you may not be able to exercise, you may benefit from massage and manually moving body parts with assistance from others.
Peripheral Artery Disease Treatments
Peripheral artery disease treatments may include lifestyle changes, medication, and minimally invasive and surgical procedures to manage symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Our providers
Location: Change location Enter your location
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Cynthia J. Bither, ACNP-BC, MSN
Cardiology
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Crystal D. Cargill, FNPBC, MS
Cardiology
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Erika D Feller, MD
Heart Failure And Transplantation Cardiology
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Vaani Panse Garg, MD
Cardiology
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Keiko Iwahara Greenberg, MD
Nephrology
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Sherron Hester-Bello, FNPBC, MSN
Cardiology
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Mary C. Langford, ACNP-BC
Cardiology
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Conor Francis Lundergan, MD
Cardiology
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Diego Andres Medvedofsky, MD
Cardiology
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Jaclyn Sesso, DNP, NP
Cardiology
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Katherine Sturiano, FNPBC, MSN
Cardiology
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Alex R. Tabone, MSPAS, PA
Cardiology
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Maritess Almirante Teston, AGACNP-BC
Cardiology
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Alfred Burris, MD
Cardiology
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Joseph Adolph Quash, MD
Cardiology
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Shubir Sofat, MBBS, MD
Cardiology
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Insurance
MedStar Health accepts most major health insurance plans. If you are uncertain as to whether your individual health insurance plan is accepted at MedStar Health, please call your insurance company.