Peripheral edema is commonly caused by which of the following conditions?

Peripheral edema is commonly caused by which of the following conditions?

• A. CHF, pulmonary hypertension, venous insufficiency and renal failure
• B. Asthma
• C. Pneumonia
• D. Liver cirrhosis

Answer: (A)

Peripheral edema arises when fluid accumulates in tissues due to imbalances in pressure and fluid regulation. The most common contributors are conditions that increase venous hydrostatic pressure or cause fluid retention, which push fluid out of capillaries into the interstitial space. Congestive heart failure raises central venous pressure and, because the heart isn’t pumping effectively, activates mechanisms that retain salt and water. The resulting fluid overload and higher venous pressures promote edema, especially in the legs. Pulmonary hypertension signals elevated pressures in the pulmonary and right heart circulation. This often leads to systemic venous congestion, which translates into peripheral edema as fluid backs up into bodily tissues. Venous insufficiency directly impairs return of blood from the limbs. When blood pools in the leg veins, fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues, causing dependent edema. Renal failure reduces the kidney’s ability to excrete sodium and water, expanding the circulating volume and leading to generalized edema. The other options describe conditions that don’t typically cause peripheral edema as a primary feature: asthma and pneumonia are primarily respiratory illnesses, and while liver cirrhosis can cause edema, the classic, most common peripheral edema arises from cardiac, venous, and renal problems as listed.

Peripheral edema arises when fluid accumulates in tissues due to imbalances in pressure and fluid regulation. The most common contributors are conditions that increase venous hydrostatic pressure or cause fluid retention, which push fluid out of capillaries into the interstitial space.

Congestive heart failure raises central venous pressure and, because the heart isn’t pumping effectively, activates mechanisms that retain salt and water. The resulting fluid overload and higher venous pressures promote edema, especially in the legs.

Pulmonary hypertension signals elevated pressures in the pulmonary and right heart circulation. This often leads to systemic venous congestion, which translates into peripheral edema as fluid backs up into bodily tissues.

Venous insufficiency directly impairs return of blood from the limbs. When blood pools in the leg veins, fluid leaks into the surrounding tissues, causing dependent edema.

Renal failure reduces the kidney’s ability to excrete sodium and water, expanding the circulating volume and leading to generalized edema.

The other options describe conditions that don’t typically cause peripheral edema as a primary feature: asthma and pneumonia are primarily respiratory illnesses, and while liver cirrhosis can cause edema, the classic, most common peripheral edema arises from cardiac, venous, and renal problems as listed.