It is very common for people with heart failure to experience rapid changes in their weight. If your heart failure is causing fluid accumulation , you will gain weight. However, if your body loses this fluid (for example, after appropriate treatment), you will lose weight.
It is important to weigh yourself frequently and to tell your doctor or nurse if you notice your weight increase by more than 2 kilos (3 pounds) in 3 days. To make this easier we have provided a chart that you can download, print and use to track your weight and any changes. Click here to view and download or print the chart.
When you notice weight gain on your chart, look at the pattern of weight gain and think about your lifestyle recently. Weight gain due to fluid retention is different to weight gain due to a high calorie diet. If you are unsure as to why you have gained weight, contact your doctor or nurse.
For more information on symptoms you should be monitoring regularly click here.
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