Final answer:
Edema caused by cardiac problems, such as heart failure, is indicated by symptoms like pulmonary edema, which includes difficulty breathing and chest pain. The 'pitting' test can also suggest edema, but additional signs like hypertension and heart failure history are key indicators of a cardiac cause.
Step-by-step explanation:
Edema is the accumulation of excess water in the tissues, which can often be caused by cardiac problems. One way to determine if edema is related to heart issues is to consider the presence of pulmonary edema, a condition where excess fluid accumulates in the air sacs of the lungs. This is frequently a result of heart failure, particularly when the left ventricle cannot pump sufficient blood, leading to fluid backup in the pulmonary capillaries and subsequent fluid leakage into lung tissues. Symptoms of pulmonary edema include difficulty breathing and potentially chest pain, both of which require immediate medical attention. In addition to the quick "pitting" test on the suspected limb, where if the depression persists, edema is likely, one should also look at other signs that may suggest a cardiac origin, such as hypertension, high blood pressure, or a diagnosis of heart failure.