The excretory, circulatory, lymphatic and endocrine systems work together to maintain a normal level of fluid in the human body. When disease affects one or more of these systems, fluid accumulates in the tissues and cavities. This causes swelling and other water retention symptoms. Discuss your water retention with a physician to determine its cause. Sometimes it can be the symptom of a serious disease.
Kidney Diseases
When the kidneys work properly, they control the amount of water in the body by excreting excess fluid in the urine. Chronic kidney disease, acute kidney failure and chronic kidney failure make it difficult for the kidneys to maintain normal fluid levels. As a result, excess fluid accumulates in the body, causing water retention in the feet, ankles, legs, eyelids and hands.
Congestive Heart Failure
In cases of congestive heart failure, the heart does not pump enough blood to the tissues and organs of the body. When this happens, blood backs up on its way to the heart, resulting in tissue congestion. The extra fluid collects in the ankles, legs and lungs. Causes of congestive heart failure include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, birth defects of the heart, heart valve disease and infections of the heart muscle or valves.
Cirrhosis
The liver produces albumin, a protein that keeps fluid in the circulatory system. Jackson Siegelbaum Gastroenterology explains that albumin production decreases in cirrhosis, allowing fluid to escape from the body tissues. The excess fluid accumulates in the legs and abdomen.
Cardiomyopathy
Several types of cardiomyopathy, or heart muscle disease, cause water retention. Ischemic cardiomyopathy occurs when heart attacks and coronary artery disease damage the heart muscle. Non-ischemic cardiomyopathies include dilated cardiomyopathy, restrictive cardiomyopathy and dilated cardiomyopathy. These conditions cause water retention in the legs and feet.
Pulmonary Venous Hypertension
Pulmonary venous hypertension occurs as the result of left-sided ventricular heart disease, compression of the pulmonary veins and left-sided valvular heart disease, according to Trenton D. Nauser, M.D. The left heart does not pump blood properly, allowing the blood to pool in the lungs and lower extremities. This leads to difficulty breathing and swelling in the feet, ankles and legs.
Lymphedema
The lymphatic system protects the body from viruses, bacteria and other harmful organisms. This system consists of nodes, ducts and organs that transport lymph fluid throughout the body. Lymph fluid drains fluid from tissues and distributes immune cells. Lymphedema occurs when a blockage affects the lymphatic system. Instead of draining fluid from the body tissues, the fluid builds up and causes swelling of the arms or legs. This swelling can cause discomfort, aching and limited motion of the affected area.
