Which condition is characterized by excessive fluid accumulation in the body?

The condition characterized by excessive fluid accumulation in the body is edema. Edema occurs when excess fluid builds up in the tissues, leading to swelling, often noticeable in the extremities such as hands, feet, and legs. It can result from various factors, including heart failure, kidney disease, or certain medications that cause the body to retain fluid.

While dehydration refers to a deficit of fluid in the body, hypernatremia indicates an elevated sodium level typically associated with fluid loss without adequate replacement, and hypovolemia describes a decrease in blood volume, usually due to fluid loss. These conditions are distinct from edema, which is specifically associated with the retention and accumulation of fluid.