Description: a swelling of the tissues, usually occurring in the legs, but occasionally in the abdomen, and rarely in the arms.
Some causes related to cardiovascular disease: Edema is a common symptom seen with heart failure. This is because heart failure leads to sodium retention, which causes an accumulation of fluid in the body.
Some causes related to other disorders: Edema can also occur with kidney disease, liver disease (in which case the swelling is often localized to the abdomen - a condition known as "ascites,"), severe lung disease, and with vascular disease (especially in the veins) in the legs. Significance: Because edema is an important sign of many significant medical disorders, it always needs to be carefully evaluated by a physician to determine its underlying cause.
