Peripheral edema: A common and persistent health problem
Chronic edema of the lower limbs is a common complaint among older people and is a reason of pain, heaviness, discomfort, and mobility limitations. Patients are symptomatic in multiple associated diseases (such as heart failure) and with certain medications. The aim of this study by Soroush Besharat et at, was to use data from a nationally representative survey to characterize the prevalence of chronic lower limb edema among older patients in US. The study group included patients over 55 years of age. Authors found the prevalence of lower limb edema in 20.0% of the population. Importantly, association with older age, female sex, diabetes, hypertension and low activity was proved to play an important role for this pathology. Obese patients were reported twice as frequently with peripheral edema compared to normal stature individuals. Therefore, lifestyle adjustment is a major factor to consider as a prophylaxis. A challenging search for a novel non-pharmacologic intervention that can be used in multiple comorbid conditions is still being researched.