How is hypervolemia treated?
Successful treatment of hypervolemia is accomplished by inducing negative sodium balance. A reduction in total body sodium will lead to a reduction in ECF volume. Output of sodium from the body may be increased by diuretic administration, by ultrafiltration (in patients with kidney failure), and by paracentesis (in patients with ascites). However, the goal of therapy is not merely to increase sodium output. The goal is to have sodium output exceed sodium intake. Therefore dietary sodium restriction is a cornerstone of therapy. Failure to adhere to dietary sodium restriction is a common cause of refractory edema.
