We have had several questions recently about edema of the lower extremities in patients with congestive heart failure. Lymphedema causes swelling of the affected extremity; however, not all swollen extremities are caused by lymphedema. In congestive heart failure the heart does not work as well as it should. Think of the heart as a pump with an inlet and an outlet. When a pump does not work as well as it should, the amount of fluid pumped out by the pump is decreased. In addition to this, the amount of fluid that the pump is trying to remove remains high.

   Congestive heart failure is very similar. In congestive heart failure, the amount of blood pumped out by the heart is less than normal, decreasing the total amount of oxygen available to the tissues. Patients with congestive heart failure become easily fatigued because the heart cannot pump enough blood to satisfy the oxygen requirements during periods of exercise. Since the output from the heart is low, the input into the heart from the veins is also diminished and blood builds up behind the heart much like water builds up behind a dam.

   As blood builds up waiting to get into the heart, the pressure in the veins increases. The veins are permeable and the increased pressure causes fluid to leak out of the veins and into the tissue. This results in the edema commonly seen in patients with heart failure. The edema is frequently seen in the ankles and lower legs since this is the area of greatest pressure. The swelling can be reduced by simply raising the legs to the level of the heart. That is why doctors recommend that patients keep their legs elevated while sitting. Keeping the legs elevated reduces the pressure on the heart and veins and allows the fluid to return to the vascular system. Since patients cannot spend all their time with their legs raised, compression stockings are used to apply a counter pressure and keep the edema to a minimum. Many patients benefit from additional compression and use the ReidSleeve while they are sitting or lying down. Your doctor will be able to help distinguish lymphedema from swelling due to congestive heart failure.

   In addition to congestive heart failure, other conditions can lead to swelling that can be mistaken for lymphedema. Some of these conditions can be serious and should be evaluated by a doctor. Swelling in the head and neck area can look like lymphedema; however, it may be due to compression of the superior vena cava, the large vessel that returns blood from the head to the heart. This is called superior vena cava syndrome and can be a serious problem that requires the attention of a physician. Compression should not be used in when a patient has superior vena cava syndrome. A proper diagnosis should be made and the cause of the problem should be treated.