Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
Pulmonary edema refers to the accumulation of excessive fluid in the alveolar walls and alveolar spaces
of the lungs. It can be a life-threatening condition in some patients with high mortality and requires
immediate assessment and management.
Cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) is defined as pulmonary edema due to
increased capillary hydrostatic pressure secondary to elevated pulmonary
venous pressure. CPE reflects the accumulation of fluid with a low-protein
content in the lung interstitium and alveoli as a result of cardiac dysfunction
Pulmonary edema that is due to a direct problem with the heart is called
cardiogenic.
Congestive heart failure is a common cause of cardiogenic pulmonary edema;
in this condition, the left ventricle cannot pump out enough blood to meet the
needs of the body.
This causes a buildup of pressure in other parts of the circulatory system,
forcing fluid into the air sacs of the lungs and other parts of the body.
Other heart-related problems that can lead to pulmonary edema include:
Fluid overload – this can result from kidney failure or intravenous fluid
therapy.
Hypertensive emergency – a severe increase in blood pressure that
puts excessive strain on the heart.
Pericardial effusion with tamponade – a buildup of fluid around the
sac that covers the heart. This can decrease the heart’s ability to pump.
Severe arrhythmias – this can be tachycardia (fast heartbeat) or
bradycardia (slow heartbeat). Either can result in poor heart function.
Severe heart attack – this can damage the muscle of the heart, making
pumping difficult.
Pulmonary edema refers to the accumulation of excessive fluid in the alveolar walls and alveolar spaces
of the lungs. It can be a life-threatening condition in some patients with high mortality and requires
immediate assessment and management.
Cardiogenic pulmonary edema (CPE) is defined as pulmonary edema due to
increased capillary hydrostatic pressure secondary to elevated pulmonary
venous pressure. CPE reflects the accumulation of fluid with a low-protein
content in the lung interstitium and alveoli as a result of cardiac dysfunction
Pulmonary edema that is due to a direct problem with the heart is called
cardiogenic.
Congestive heart failure is a common cause of cardiogenic pulmonary edema;
in this condition, the left ventricle cannot pump out enough blood to meet the
needs of the body.
This causes a buildup of pressure in other parts of the circulatory system,
forcing fluid into the air sacs of the lungs and other parts of the body.
Other heart-related problems that can lead to pulmonary edema include:
Fluid overload – this can result from kidney failure or intravenous fluid
therapy.
Hypertensive emergency – a severe increase in blood pressure that
puts excessive strain on the heart.
Pericardial effusion with tamponade – a buildup of fluid around the
sac that covers the heart. This can decrease the heart’s ability to pump.
Severe arrhythmias – this can be tachycardia (fast heartbeat) or
bradycardia (slow heartbeat). Either can result in poor heart function.
Severe heart attack – this can damage the muscle of the heart, making
pumping difficult.
