Soft tissue oedema occurs as a result of increased venous pressure due to heart failure, particularly right heart failure.
This usually presents as a symmetrical depressed oedema that starts lower in the body and can also present as a pleural effusion. Patients with pre-existing heart failure should promptly consult a cardiologist when oedema develops and use diuretics appropriately according to the clinician’s instructions and manage their diet and weight to avoid excessive water and sodium intake.