Superior Vena Cava Syndrome »
Introduction
The superior vena cava is a large vein located in the upper chest, which
collects blood from the head and arms and delivers it back to the right atrium
of the heart. If this vein is compressed by outside structures, or if a thrombus
or clot develops within it, then return blood flow to the heart is impeded. When
blood flow to the heart is restricted, the increased pressure in the veins of
the face and arms causes edema (fluid buildup) in these areas. This condition is
referred to as superior vena cava syndrome.
Because the superior vena cava, like all veins, has a thin wall (there are no
muscles in the walls of a vein as compared to the walls of an artery), and
because there is little pressure inside the vein, it can be easily compressed by
outside structures. The superior vena cava lies next to the upper lobe of the
right lung and within the mediastinum [the space that contains the central
structures of the chest: the heart, the ...
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In response to the patient who used ginkgo biloba, I have read info from Kaiser that says that the herb can interfere with diabetes meds so be careful in using it. I have suffered from pitting edema in my feet and legs for a year, and the only thing Kaiser has said is to elevate them and use Lasix and keep compression on them. None of them is a permanent solution. Published: October 06 ::