What Is Dropsy?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
7. Chronic Venous Insufficiency
Blood is pumped around our body with help from our hearts that create sufficient pressure to force the blood around. Once the blood has reached the bottom of the body, however, the trip back up gets harder due to gravity. Hence, we have evolved a system that helps the blood to complete the circuit.
In our legs, and elsewhere in our bodies, are a system of valves that help prevent the blood from flowing back down. Chronic venous insufficiency is a condition where these valves are weakened, and this can cause fluids to begin accumulating in the legs. This can lead to dropsy.
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