cardiovascular disorders
Edema
Geriatrics Essentials: Edema
In older people, use of drugs that treat causes of edema (particularly heart failure) requires special caution, such as the following: Starting doses low and evaluating patients thoroughly when the dose is changed Monitoring for orthostatic hypotension if diuretics, ACE inhibitors,angiotensin IIreceptor blockers, or beta-blockers are used Frequently testing for hypokalemia or hyperkalemia Not stopping calcium channel blockers because of pedal edema, which is benign Logging daily weight helps in monitoring clinical improvement or deterioration immensely. 