Role of Lymphatics in Heart Failure

The lymphatic system plays a crucial, yet often overlooked, role in maintaining fluid homeostasis, and its dysregulation is a key feature of heart failure (HF). Lymphatic dysregulation in patients with HF typically results from a combination of self-perpetuating congestive mechanisms, such as increased fluid filtration, decreased lymph drainage into the central venous system, impaired lymph vessel integrity, dysfunctional lymphatic valves, and dysfunctional renal lymphatic system. These pathomechanisms collectively overwhelm the lymphatic system and hinder its ability to decongest the interstitial space with subsequent manifestation and progression of clinical congestion. Targeting the lymphatic system to counteract these congestive pathomechanisms and facilitate interstitial fluid removal represents a novel pathway to treat congestion in HF. In this study, we discuss the physiological roles of the lymphatic system in fluid homeostasis and the pathophysiological alteration of these roles in HF. We also discuss innovative technologies that aim to use the lymphatic system pathway to treat congestion in HF and provide future directions related to these approaches.