Congestive Heart Failure and Lymphedema

Introduction

The symptoms of CHF depend on which side of the heart is affected.

Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart is unable to pump out all of the blood that it receives. Also, it cannot pump enough blood to the body's other organs. This condition occurs more often among the elderly and can result from:

• Narrowed arteries that supply blood to the heart muscles.
• Weakness scar tissue that interferes with the work of the heart muscle.
• Hypertension (high blood pressure).
• Heart defects present at birth.
• Infections of the heart valves heart or diseases of the heart muscle.

Forms of Heart Failure

There are two forms of this condition. These are:

• Left-sided heart failure, which causes fluid buildup in the lungs.
• Right-sided heart failure, which causes fluid buildup beginning with the feet and legs. This swelling can also affect the liver, gastrointestinal tract, or arms.

Congestive Heart Failure and Lymphedema

Lymphedema does not cause CHF; however, right-sided heart failure can cause lymphedema to develop in the feet and legs.

• It is essential that this CHF must be treated before the lymphedema can be treated.
• If bandaging (or a pump) are used before the CHF is under control -- the movement of the excess fluid can further damage the heart by causing too much pressure.

How CHF is Treated

Congestive heart failure is treated with medications to:

• Control blood pressure.
• Strengthen the heart beat, and
• Reduce the fluid load.

Patients also may be advised to keep their legs elevated or to wear compression stockings to minimize swelling. This reduces the pressure on the heart and veins and allows fluid to return to the cardiovascular system.

The Treatment of Congestive Heart Failure and Lymphedema

When both conditions are present, the patient’s healthcare provider must always be consulted before lymphedema treatment is provided.

• Manual lymph drainage may be contraindicated if this movement of fluid places too much added strain on the heart by increasing the volume of circulating blood.
• Bandaging may be contraindicated because it too increases the strain on the heart. Sometimes bandages are modified and worn only to the knees
• Compression stockings are used in the treatment of congestive heart failure; however, these stockings are not the same compression strength as the stockings used in the treatment of lymphedema.
• Exercise, as tolerated by the patient, is recommended to improve heart function, venous circulation, and lymphatic drainage.

References

[1] Congestive Heart Failure by Tony Reid MD Ph.D.

[2] Living Well with Lymphedema by A. Ehrlich, MA, A. Vinjé-Harrewijn PT, CLT-LANA, and E. McMahon PhD. Lymph Notes, 2005, pages 89-90.

[3] Lymphedema Caregiver's Guide by M. K. Kearse, PT, CLT-LANA, E. McMahon, PhD, and A. Ehrlich, MA. Lymph Notes 2009 pages 26-27.

[4] American Heart Association 2010

© LymphNotes.com 2010. This information does not replace the advice of a qualified health care professional.

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Category: Lymphedema and Other Conditions Updated: 2010-04-05