Weight gain
It’s 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’s important to weigh yourself regularly 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.
When you notice weight gain on your chart, look at the pattern of weight gain and think about your recent lifestyle. 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.
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Animation explaining how heart failure causes fluid accumulation |
