Pulmonary Edema at 10x Magnification

Since cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of pulmonary edema, following steps that reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems also decreases one’s risk of fluid accumulation in the lungs. One of the most important of these steps is controlling blood pressure. In the United States, around 50 million people are affected by high blood pressure, which is currently defined as having a resting blood pressure consistently 140/90 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher. High blood pressure has been linked with an increased risk of not only cardiovascular disease, but a host of other problems as well. Among the best ways to lower one’s blood pressure is to exercise regularly, consume a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables, and limit intake of coffee, salt, and alcohol. Some recent studies also suggest that an insufficient supply of calcium to the body is associated with some cases of high blood pressure.