Generalized edema in the elderly may be caused by heart failure, renal insufficiency, hypoproteinemia, hypothyroidism and other diseases.
1. Heart failure: impaired ventricular filling and ejection caused by impaired cardiac function, so that cardiac output cannot meet the body’s daily needs. Initially, edema of the lower limbs starts, and gradually develops into generalized edema, which is also accompanied by exertional dyspnea, abdominal distension and other symptoms.
2. Renal insufficiency: it is a clinical syndrome in which the renal filtration function is reduced, leading to systemic metabolite retention and disturbance of water-electrolyte balance. There may be oliguria, edema, nausea and other symptoms, and in severe cases, generalized swelling may occur.
3. Hypoproteinemia: total plasma protein <60g/L or albumin <35g/L, often combined with tumors, liver cirrhosis and other underlying diseases, resulting in generalized edema, abdominal fluid, pleural fluid (fluid that stays in the chest cavity) and other symptoms.
4. Other causes of generalized edema include hypothyroidism.
If generalized edema is severe in the elderly, they should seek medical attention in order to receive professional treatment in a timely manner.