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Abstract
Edema in the lower extremities is a common manifestation in patients with congestive heart failure (CHF), especially in those with right ventricular dysfunction. Although compression therapy is the treatment of choice for managing edema and lymphedema in the lower limbs, its application in patients with CHF remains controversial due to a theoretical model of risk for circulatory overload.
Scientific evidence supporting this precaution is limited. However, recent studies suggest that controlled compression, applied with appropriate clinical criteria, could be safe and effective in selected patients with CHF in NYHA functional stages I, II, or III, without causing significant hemodynamic deterioration.
This narrative review analyzes the current state of knowledge regarding the indications, precautions, physiological effects, and clinical effectiveness of compression therapy in people with CHF, as well as the different types of compression used. It also highlights the main knowledge gaps and underscores the need for more robust research to guide practice in managing lower limb edema in patients with CHF.
References
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