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 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.
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
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)
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
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