What Is Pulmonary Edema?
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
2. Cardiogenic Pulmonary Edema
Most of the time (but not always), pulmonary edema is caused by a problem with the heart. Most of the time, the problem is that the left ventricle, which pumps blood away from the lungs, is not working as well as it should. This can then cause fluids to become backed up in the lungs.
There are a number of heart conditions that can cause this, one of which is congestive heart failure, which is when the heart is not able to efficiently pump blood. Problems with the heart valves are also sometimes responsible, as is damaged heart muscle. Hypertension is also sometimes the cause.
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