Key result
Compression therapy reduces edema but precipitates cardiac decompensation requiring medical management.
Why the study?
Patients with heart failure may develop secondary lower extremity lymphedema, yet evidence to guide compression therapy in this population is limited.
Case Report (n=1)
Compression therapy for lymphedema in heart failure patients may reduce edema but carries a risk of precipitating cardiac decompensation.
Urges caution with compression in HF with secondary lymphedema; leaves open safe protocols for prospective study.
Introduction: Patients with heart failure may develop secondary lower extremity lymphedema, yet evidence to guide compression therapy in this population is limited. This case highlights clinical decision-making in applying compression within a medically complex scenario. Case Presentation: A 75-year-old female with chronic heart failure and multiple comorbidities presented with severe bilateral lower extremity lymphedema and reduced mobility. Interventions included compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, breathing exercises, and skin care education, delivered by a physical therapist with advanced cardiopulmonary and lymphedema training. Edema reduction was achieved; however, therapy was discontinued due to signs of cardiac decompensation requiring medical management. Conclusion:This case demonstrates both the Introduction: Patients with heart failure may develop secondary lower extremity lymphedema, yet evidence to guide compression therapy in this population is limited. This case highlights clinical decision-making in applying compression within a medically complex scenario. Case Presentation: A 75-year-old female with chronic heart failure and multiple comorbidities presented with severe bilateral lower extremity lymphedema and reduced mobility. Interventions included compression therapy, manual lymphatic drainage, breathing exercises, and skin care education, delivered by a physical therapist with advanced cardiopulmonary and lymphedema training. Edema reduction was achieved; however, therapy was discontinued due to signs of cardiac decompensation requiring medical management. Conclusion: This case demonstrates both the potential benefit and risk of compression therapy in heart failure–related lymphedema. Safe implementation requires close monitoring, multidisciplinary collaboration, and specialized expertise. Further research is needed to establish clear guidelines for this high-risk population.
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René Thomas (2026) conducted a case report in Heart failure and bilateral lower extremity lymphedema (n=1). Compression therapy and manual lymphatic drainage was evaluated on Edema reduction and signs of cardiac decompensation. Compression therapy achieved edema reduction but was discontinued due to signs of cardiac decompensation requiring medical management.
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