Simple Causes of Edema (continuation)
Weak leg muscles, particularly those in the calf, also cause edema. Older women, whose leg muscles may deteriorate
with normal aging, are thus highly susceptible to edema. Deep varicose veins in the legs, another frequent
complaint among older people, contribute to edema as well.
Many women experience some edema just before their menstrual periods, which may be noticeable in their breasts,
legs and abdominal areas. It should disappear with the onset of menstruation. Many of the hormonal changes surrounding
menstruation, pregnancy and contraception can contribute to edema. It has been a troublesome problem for many women
taking birth control pills. The higher the estrogen content of the pill, the more likely it is that the woman will
develop edema. Reducing salt intake may help. In fact, excessive salt consumption also may be responsible for edema,
in both healthy people and those with special health problems. Since salt tends to hold water in the body, restricting
salt intake is frequently advised--and sometimes vital--for those with edema problems.
Organic Disease
Edema also can be a sign of the onset of kidney, liver or heart disease. Repeated episodes of leg or ankle
swelling, or any unexplained episode that lasts more than a day or two, should be reported to a physician.
A frequent cause of edema is congestive heart failure,
a condition in which the heart fails to pump as effectively as it should. When inadequate amounts of blood are circulating, salt
and water are retained by the body in the legs and, sometimes, the abdomen. The result can be a significant weight gain amounting
to 10 to 15 pounds or more.
