You have a condition called heart failure. When you have heart failure, a sudden weight gain or a steady rise in weight is a warning sign. It means that your body is retaining too much water and salt. This could mean your heart failure is getting worse. If left untreated, it can cause problems for your lungs and result in shortness of breath. Weighing yourself each day is the best way to know if you’re retaining water. If your weight goes up quickly, call your healthcare provider. You'll be given instructions on how to get rid of the excess water. You'll likely need medicines and have to avoid salt. This will help your heart work better.
When to call your healthcare provider
Call your healthcare provider if you gain:
-
More than
2 pounds in1 day -
More than
5 pounds in1 week -
Whatever weight gain you were told to report by your provider
This is often a sign of worsening heart failure and needs to be evaluated and treated. Your provider will tell you what to do next.
Tips for weighing yourself
-
Weigh yourself at the same time each morning, wearing the same clothes. Ideally, weigh yourself after urinating and before eating.
-
Use the same scale each day. Make sure the numbers are easy to read. Put the scale on a flat, hard surface. Don't put it on a rug or carpet.
-
Don't stop weighing yourself. If you forget 1 day, weigh yourself again the next morning.
How to use your weight chart
-
Keep your weight chart near the scale. Write your weight on the chart as soon as you get off the scale.
-
Fill in the month and the start date on the chart. Then write down your weight each day. Your chart will look like this:
-
If you miss a day, leave the space blank. Weigh yourself the next day and write your weight in the next space.
-
Take your weight chart with you when you go to see your provider.
Find a cardiac specialist
Because every beat matters, our cardiac doctors are dedicated to providing care like no other can.
Related Articles
Taking a Diuretic
Read on for tips about taking a diuretic safely, and signs that you should call your health care provider.
What Is Holter Monitoring?
Holter monitoring is a painless way to record your heartbeat away from your healthcare provider's office. It's a small electrocardiogram (ECG) that you carry with you. Holter monitoring records your heartbeat for your provider to review at a later time.
Common Heart Medicines
Learn what type of medicine you're taking, what it treats, and how to take it safely. If you have questions about why you need a medicine or how it works, ask your health care provider or pharmacist. Medicines are prescribed in just the right doses for your heart condition. They work only if you take them exactly as directed.
Heart Failure Zones: Your Action Plan
This sheet will help you assess your heart health each day. It lists symptoms to watch out for, and action steps to take.
