What is peripheral edema?

Swelling.: Edema is the greek word for swelling; peripheral is the greek word for circumferential. Together, these two words connote the swelling typically seen in right heart failure, when the venous return to the heart cannot be pumped forward adequately, thus dilating the veins and spilling over into the soft tissues.

Swelling: It is swelling of the tissues and is usually a sign of cardiac conditions, venous insufficiency, or can be a side effect of some medications. Additionally, mild edema can also be very benign.