by increased circulating volume makes the heart fail even
more (Faris et al, 2006). Patients with heart failure should
be monitored closely for fluid retention, as it is a symptom
and an exacerbating factor.
The main symptoms of overhydration occur as a result
of the excess fluid in the blood leaking out into the
surrounding tissues. This causes swelling (oedema). Fluid
can also leak through the capillaries into the lungs. Fluid
in the lungs can cause difficulty in breathing (dyspnoea),
which can be exacerbated by lying flat (orthopnoea).
These symptoms may be accompanied by a cough as the
patient attempts clear the fluid from his or her lung