Cardiovascular Disease
Cardiovascular diseases affect the heart and blood flow in the body. Congestive heart failure [9] can cause the lymphatic vessels to empty lymph into the heart. This severely impairs heart function and causes abnormal weight gain and swelling in the heart and legs. Untreated congestive heart failure may eventually lead to damage of the lymphatic vessels and cause lymphedema.
People who suffer from cardiovascular problems [10] like deep vein thrombosis, varicose veins, and venous leg ulcers are also at an increased risk of lymphedema.
Trauma
The lymphatic system runs close to the surface of the skin. This means that injury or trauma that severely affects the skin can reach the lymphatic vessels and impair their function or damage them. This can lead to lymphedema.
Lymphedema due to trauma is not very common [11]. It can be caused by burns and injuries that lead to serious bruising or loss of soft tissue.